dwarfism

American  

[dwawr-fiz-uhm] / ˈdwɔr fɪz əm /

noun

1. the condition of having abnormally small physical stature resulting from a medical or genetic condition, as achondroplasia or some other disease that produces disproportion or deformation of features and limbs.

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dwarfism British  

/ ˈdwɔːfɪzəm /

noun

1. the condition of being a dwarf

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dwarfism Scientific  

/ dwôr′fĭz′əm /

1. Abnormally short stature, usually caused by a hereditary disorder.

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Etymology

Origin of dwarfism

First recorded in 1860–65; dwarf + -ism

Example Sentences

Sales of another key product, Voxzogo, which treats a form of dwarfism, are expected to have hit $912 million in 2025, according to FactSet, up from $735 million in 2024.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

That chance has come in the form of Hulu’s limited series premiering Wednesday that’s based on the real-life story of the Barnett family and Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian girl with a rare form of dwarfism.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

The reboot was criticised by Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, for being "backward".

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2025

The actor had previously spoken about the representation of dwarfism, saying it was "bad writing" to make it a "dominant character trait".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025

Unfortunately, growth hormone cannot at this time be inexpensively synthesized and is still far too costly to be used therapeutically except to prevent dwarfism.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve