dwarfism

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dwarfism (dworf-izm) n. abnormally short stature. The most common cause is achondroplasia. Dwarfism may also be caused by a deficiency of growth hormone due to a defect in the pituitary gland; a genetic defect in the response to growth hormone; thyroid deficiency (see cretinism); such chronic diseases as rickets; renal failure; and intestinal malabsorption.

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