Search Dictionary
Definition of dwarfism

dwarfism

/ˈdwɔːrfɪzəm/
dwarf · ism
Plural:dwarfisms
•
Adjective:dwarfish
JUMP TO:

dwarfism Lexical Profile

dwarfism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A medical or genetic condition characterized by unusually short stature or stunted growth, typically defined in humans as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters) or under.

Example

"Achondroplasia is the most common form of genetic dwarfism in humans."

2

A biological phenomenon in which a plant or animal species, breed, or cultivar grows to a significantly smaller size than standard members of its group, often due to insular evolution or selective breeding.

Example

"Fossil evidence on the remote island revealed a striking case of insular dwarfism among prehistoric elephants."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dwarfism
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dwarfism

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern medical and social contexts, person-first language such as "a person with dwarfism" (or "little person") is strongly preferred over older or derogatory terms.

• Rhymes for dwarfism

• Nearby Words

dwarf crowned snake
dwarf monitor
dwarf sand boa
dwarfism
dwarflike
dweeb
dweebish

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century from the English noun "dwarf" (from Old English dweorg) combined with the suffix "-ism", denoting a medical or physiological condition.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dwarfism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dwarfism
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.