—n. (pl. dwarfs or dwarves)
1 a a person of abnormally small stature, esp. one with a normal-sized head and body but short limbs.
Usage:
The term person of restricted growth is now often preferred. b an animal or plant much below the ordinary size for the species.
2 a small mythological being with supernatural powers.
3 (in full dwarf star) a small usu. dense star.
4 (attrib.) a of a kind very small in size (dwarf bean). b puny, stunted.
—v.tr.
1 stunt in growth.
2 cause (something similar or comparable) to seem small or insignificant (efforts dwarfed by their rivals' achievements).
Derivatives:
dwarfish adj.
Etymology: OE dweorg f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.