dwarf

Dwarf is a general descriptor used in science, folklore, and everyday language to denote smaller size relative to a typical example of a group. The term is used as both a noun and an adjective. In medicine and genetics, dwarfism describes conditions that produce short stature. In common usage, people may refer to dwarf varieties or dwarf breeds of plants and animals.

In astronomy, several senses of dwarf are used. A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun, has enough mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium (a nearly round shape), but has not cleared its orbital neighborhood of other debris. Notable examples include Pluto and Ceres. A dwarf star describes a small, low-mass star or stellar remnant; the best-known types are red dwarfs and white dwarfs. Dwarf galaxies are small galaxies bound to larger ones.

In folklore and modern fantasy, dwarves or dwarfs are often depicted as short, sturdy beings skilled in mining, metalworking, and stonecraft. They feature prominently in Norse myth and in later literature, including J. R. R. Tolkien’s novels, where they are a distinct race. The spelling varies with context; 'dwarf' is standard in British English, while 'dwarves' is common in fantasy writing.

Terminology and sensitivity: because dwarfism covers several medical conditions, many communities emphasize respectful language and person-first or condition-specific terms. The word 'dwarf' remains widely understood, but usage may vary by context and preference.