elf
[ elf ]
/ ɛlf /
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
What does "scattergood" mean?
a person who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.
a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully; spendthrift.
a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUTOrigin of elf
before 1000; Middle English, back formation from elven, Old English elfen nymph (i.e., female elf), variant of ælfen; see elfin
OTHER WORDS FROM elf
elf·like, adjectiveWords nearby elf
Definition for elf (2 of 2)
Also elf
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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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