elf
[ elf ]
/ ɛlf /
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noun, plural elves [elvz]. /ɛlvz/.
(in folklore) one of a class of preternatural beings, especially from mountainous regions, with magical powers, given to capricious and often mischievous interference in human affairs, and usually imagined to be a diminutive being in human form; sprite; fairy.
a diminutive person, especially a child.
a mischievous person, especially a child.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of elf
First recorded before 1000; Middle English, from Old English ælf, elf, ylf, akin to Old High German alp “incubus” (Middle High German alp , German Alp “nightmare”), Old Norse álfr, Danish alf “elf” ælfen; see elfin
synonym study for elf
1. See fairy.
OTHER WORDS FROM elf
elflike, adjectiveWords nearby elf
Definition for elf (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for elf
British Dictionary definitions for elf (1 of 2)
elf
/ (ɛlf) /
noun plural elves (ɛlvz)
(in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous
a mischievous or whimsical child
Derived forms of elf
elflike, adjectiveWord Origin for elf
Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white
British Dictionary definitions for elf (2 of 2)
ELF
abbreviation for
extremely low frequency
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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