English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun C2 Proficient

dwarfism

DWORF-iz-uhm
Quiz me More like this

Dwarfism (noun) means Dwarfism is the condition of being a person of unusually short stature. Example: “Dwarfism can be caused by a number of different genetic conditions.”

noun
1
medical Dwarfism is the condition of being a person of unusually short stature.
"Dwarfism can be caused by a number of different genetic conditions."
"He has dwarfism and stands well under five feet tall."
"The charity supports families of children born with dwarfism."

How to use dwarfism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDwarfism means having unusually short stature as a lasting physical condition.

When to use it

This is a clinical term; many people prefer 'short stature' or 'little person' in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Use 'dwarfism' for the medical condition itself, not as a word to describe a person directly.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
born with dwarfism forms of dwarfism people with dwarfism diagnosed with dwarfism
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dwarfism.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Test yourself on “dwarfism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ can be caused by a number of different genetic conditions.

Etymology

Dwarfism is formed from the word 'dwarf' with the suffix -ism added to name it as a condition.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is dwarfism?
Dwarfism is the medical term for the condition of being a person of unusually short stature.
Is dwarfism a disease?
It is a condition rather than a disease, and it can arise from various underlying genetic causes.
Is dwarfism the correct term to use?
Yes, dwarfism is the standard medical term for the condition, though many people prefer 'short stature' or 'little person' when speaking about individuals.
What is the meaning of dwarfism?
"dwarfism" (noun) means dwarfism is the condition of being a person of unusually short stature.