dwarf
UK: dwɔːf | US: dwɔːrf
n. 1. A mythical being of small human form, often depicted as skilled in crafts or mining.
n. 2. An abnormally small person or animal, often due to a medical condition.
vt. 1. To cause to appear small by comparison.
adj. 1. (of a plant or animal) Much smaller than the usual size for its species.
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The word "dwarf" traces back to Old English "dweorg," meaning a small, mythical creature. Its Proto-Germanic root "*dwergaz" likely referred to a diminutive or subterranean being, reflecting folklore associations with mining or craftsmanship. Over time, the term expanded to describe anything unnaturally small, retaining its core idea of "reduced size." The spelling evolved from "dweorg" to "dwarf," losing its etymological transparency but preserving the original concept.
In Norse mythology, dwarves forged Thor’s mighty hammer, Mjölnir.
The Great Dane dwarfed the Chihuahua standing beside it.
Dwarf planets like Pluto lack the gravitational dominance to clear their orbits.
Genetic conditions can sometimes result in dwarfism.
The skyscraper dwarfed the surrounding buildings.