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

Zarwa, from London, has geleophysic dysplasia, a rare type of dwarfism that affects just over 30 people worldwide.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

"There really is nothing wrong casting someone with dwarfism as a dwarf in any given opportunity," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025

The actor, an integral part of many blockbuster franchises, including “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter,” helms Little People UK, which supports people with dwarfism like himself.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2025

In many instances the opposite condition, dwarfism, occurs during infancy from causes which check the further growth of the body, although the general functions remain unchanged.

From Degeneracy Its Causes, Signs and Results by Talbot, Eugene S.