online medical dictionary | definition of dwarf

Pl Dwarfs . [OE. Dwergh, dwerf, dwarf, AS. Dweorg, dweorh; akin to D. Dwerg, MHG. Twerc, G. Zwerg, Icel. Dvergr, Sw. & Dan. Dverg; of unknown origin.

An animal or plant which is much below the ordinary size of its species or kind; especially, a diminutive human being.

During the Middle Ages dwarfs as well as fools shared the favor of courts and the nobility.

Dwarf is used adjectively in reference to anything much below the usual or normal size; as, dwarf tree; dwarf honeysuckle.

<botany> Dwarf elder, a low wall, not as high as the story of a building, often used as a garden wall or fence.

(01 Mar 1998)