pygmy
UK: ˈpɪɡmi | US: ˈpɪɡmi
n. 1. A member of certain peoples of very short stature, especially in equatorial Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.
n. 2. (figuratively) A person or thing of unusually small size or limited importance.
adj. 1. Relating to or characteristic of pygmies.
adj. 2. Very small; diminutive.
The word "pygmy" traces back to the Greek "pygmē," meaning "a measure of length from elbow to knuckles" (roughly 13–14 inches), later generalized to denote smallness. In Greek mythology, the Pygmaioi were a race of tiny people, symbolizing the concept of diminutive stature. The term evolved into Latin "pygmaeus" and entered English in the 14th century, initially referencing mythical tribes before being applied to real-world communities. The morpheme "pygm" preserves the original Greek root, while "-y" adapts it into a noun/adjective form in English.
The anthropologist studied the cultural practices of the Pygmy tribes in the Congo rainforest.
Despite his pygmy stature, he was a formidable chess player.
The zoo’s pygmy hippopotamus attracted many visitors.
Critics dismissed the theory as a pygmy attempt at scientific innovation.
In folklore, pygmies were often depicted as skilled hunters with magical abilities.