First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1dwarf
noun, often attributive \ˈdwȯrf\
plural dwarfs \ˈdwȯrfs\ also dwarves \ˈdwȯrvz\
Definition of DWARF
1
a : a person of unusually small stature; especially : one whose bodily proportions are abnormal b : an insignificant person <a literary dwarf>
2
: an animal or plant much below normal size
3
: a small legendary manlike being who is usually misshapen and ugly and skilled as a craftsman
4
: a star (as the sun) of ordinary or low luminosity and relatively small mass and size
— dwarf·ish \ˈdwȯr-fish\ adjective
— dwarf·ish·ly adverb
— dwarf·ish·ness noun
— dwarf·like \ˈdwȯrf-ˌlīk\ adjective
— dwarf·ness \ˈdwȯrf-nəs\ noun
See dwarf defined for English-language learners
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Origin of DWARF
Middle English dwerg, dwerf, from Old English dweorg, dweorh; akin to Old High German twerg dwarf
Related to DWARF
2dwarf
verb
: to make (something) look very small or unimportant when compared with something else
Full Definition of DWARF
transitive verb
1
: to restrict the growth of : stunt
2
: to cause to appear smaller or to seem inferior <has dwarfed the achievements of her predecessors>
intransitive verb
: to become smaller
See dwarf defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DWARF
circa 1626
3dwarf
adjective
of a plant or animal : smaller than normal size
Full Definition of DWARF
of a plant : low-growing in habit <dwarfer forms of citrus>
See dwarf defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DWARF
1597
Other Botany Terms
DWARF[1] Defined for Kids
1dwarf
noun \ˈdwȯrf\
plural dwarfs \ˈdwȯrfs\ also dwarves \ˈdwȯrvz\
Definition of DWARF for Kids
1
: a person, animal, or plant much smaller than normal size
2
: a creature in legends that is usually pictured as a small person who is skilled at some craft
2dwarf
verb
dwarfeddwarf·ing
Definition of DWARF for Kids
: to cause to appear smaller <Our car was dwarfed by the giant redwood trees.>
3dwarf
adjective
Definition of DWARF for Kids
: of less than the usual size <dwarf pine trees>
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