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

Hundreds of genetic mutations are associated with dwarfism, which causes shorter stature.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Hannah has achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2025

Prof Wilcox said Ms Davis had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder which results in dwarfism, that was "complicated by spinal cord compression".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 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