dwarf
a person of abnormally small physical stature resulting from a medical or genetic condition, especially a person with achondroplasia or some other disease that produces disproportion or deformation of features and limbs.
an animal or plant much smaller than the average of its kind or species.
(in folklore) a being in the form of a small, often misshapen man, usually having magic powers.
Astronomy. dwarf star.
of unusually small stature or size; diminutive.
to cause to appear or seem small in size, extent, character, etc., as by being much larger or better: He dwarfed all his rivals in athletic ability.
to make dwarf or dwarfish; prevent the due development of.
to become stunted or smaller.
Origin of dwarf
1usage note For dwarf
Other words for dwarf
Opposites for dwarf
Other words from dwarf
- dwarf·like, adjective
- dwarf·ness, noun
- un·dwarfed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use dwarf in a sentence
The rate of partner violence dwarfs the number of women who experience sexual assault from a stranger (7%).
She promised the dwarfs that she would certainly not let anyone inside again.
In New Brothers Grimm 'Snow White', The Prince Doesn't Save Her | The Brothers Grimm | November 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWell, the dwarfs took pity on him and gave him the coffin, and the prince had it carried to his castle.
In New Brothers Grimm 'Snow White', The Prince Doesn't Save Her | The Brothers Grimm | November 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWhen the dwarfs came home from the mines that evening, they found Little Snow White lying on the ground, and she was dead.
In New Brothers Grimm 'Snow White', The Prince Doesn't Save Her | The Brothers Grimm | November 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFinally, as the sun was about to set, she came upon a little cottage that belonged to seven dwarfs.
In New Brothers Grimm 'Snow White', The Prince Doesn't Save Her | The Brothers Grimm | November 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
This reasoning displeased the dwarfs, and one of them named Tad denounced it with much indignation.
Honey-Bee | Anatole FranceBut indeed, it was useless to rub her eyes, the dwarfs did not vanish, and so she was obliged to believe that they were real.
Honey-Bee | Anatole FranceThe dwarfs leaped into the air and in a bound seized and cut the branches, out of which they deftly wove a basket chair.
Honey-Bee | Anatole FranceThe kingdom of the dwarfs was very deep and extended under the greater part of the earth.
Honey-Bee | Anatole FranceDwarfs in pointed hoods pricked with fern leaves whirled about these edifices in the airiest fashion.
Honey-Bee | Anatole France
British Dictionary definitions for dwarf
/ (dwɔːf) /
an abnormally undersized person, esp one with a large head and short arms and legs: Compare midget
an animal or plant much below the average height for the species
(as modifier): a dwarf tree
(in folklore) a small ugly manlike creature, often possessing magical powers
astronomy short for dwarf star
to become or cause to become comparatively small in size, importance, etc
(tr) to stunt the growth of
Origin of dwarf
1Derived forms of dwarf
- dwarfish, adjective
- dwarfishly, adverb
- dwarfishness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for dwarf
[ dwôrf ]
An abnormally small person, often having limbs and features atypically proportioned or formed.
An atypically small animal or plant.
A dwarf star or dwarf galaxy.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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