dwarf
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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 Examples of DWARF
- <Shetland ponies are the dwarfs of the horse world.>
- <Snow White and the seven dwarfs.>
Origin of DWARF
Middle English dwerg, dwerf, from Old English dweorg, dweorh; akin to Old High German twerg dwarf
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to DWARF
2dwarf
verbDefinition 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
Examples of DWARF
- <shrubs dwarfed by the lack of water>
First Known Use of DWARF
circa 1626
3dwarf
adjectiveDefinition of DWARF
of a plant : low-growing in habit <dwarfer forms of citrus>
First Known Use of DWARF
1597
Other Botany Terms
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All Words Near: dwarf
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