dwarf

First recorded before 900; Middle English dwerf, Old English dweorh; replacing Middle English dwerg, Old English dweorg; cognate with Old High German twerg, Old Norse dvergr

1. Although dwarf, midget, pygmy have all been used as terms for a very small person, dwarf is now the preferred form, and midget should be avoided as disparaging and offensive. A dwarf is someone with a medical condition that results in stunted growth (58 inches or shorter in height), with a physical form that is disproportionate or not normally developed in some way. The word midget is now disparaging and offensive and should be avoided. It was formerly used for someone of proportionate form but abnormally small physical stature. The terms dwarf and little person are now preferable in reference to these short-statured people. A Pygmy is a member of one of certain small-sized peoples of Africa and Asia. The term should not be used to refer to a dwarf or other little person. Dwarf is a term often used to describe very small plants. Pygmy is used to describe very small animals.