dwɔ:f n. & v. --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. °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). øødwarfish adj. [OE dweorg f. Gmc]