dwarf: Meaning and Definition of

dwarf

Pronunciation: (dwôrf), [key]
— n., pl. adj., v. dwarfs, dwarves,
—n.
  1. a person of abnormally small stature owing to a pathological condition, esp. one suffering from cretinism or some other disease that produces disproportion or deformation of features and limbs.
  2. an animal or plant much smaller than the average of its kind or species.
  3. (in folklore) a being in the form of a small, often misshapen and ugly, man, usually having magic powers.
  4. See
—adj.
  1. of unusually small stature or size; diminutive.
—v.t.
  1. to cause to appear or seem small in size, extent, character, etc., as by being much larger or better: He dwarfed all his rivals in athletic ability.
  2. to make dwarf or dwarfish; prevent the due development of.
—v.i.
  1. to become stunted or smaller.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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