dwarf
dwarf / dwôrf/ • n. (pl. dwarfs or dwarves / dwôrvz/ ) 1. (in folklore or fantasy literature) a member of a mythical race of short, stocky humanlike creatures who are generally skilled in mining and metalworking. ∎ often offens. an abnormally small person. ∎ [as adj.] denoting something, esp. an animal or plant, that is much smaller than the usual size for its type or species: a dwarf conifer.2. (also dwarf star) Astron. a star of relatively small size and low luminosity, including the majority of main sequence stars.• v. [tr.] cause to seem small or insignificant in comparison: the buildings surround and dwarf All Saints Church. ∎ stunt the growth or development of: [as adj.] (dwarfed) the dwarfed but solid branch of a tree. DERIVATIVES: dwarf·ish adj.
