PYGMY

Pygmy, Pigmy

(noun) any member of various peoples having an average height of less than five feet

pygmy, pigmy

(noun) an unusually small individual

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

pygmy (plural pygmies)

(often capitalized) A member of one of various Ancient Equatorial African tribal peoples, notable for their very short stature.

(Greek mythology) A member of a race of dwarfs.

(figuratively, derogatory, offensive) Any dwarfish person or thing.

(figuratively, derogatory, offensive) An insignificant person, at least in some respect.

Synonyms

• dwarf

• midget

Antonyms

• giant

• ettin

Adjective

pygmy (comparative more pygmy, superlative most pygmy)

Relating or belonging to the Pygmy people.

Like a pygmy; unusually short or small for its kind.

Synonyms

• pygmyish

• dwarfish

Source: Wiktionary


Pyg"my, Pyg*me"an, a. Etym: [L. pygmaeus. See Pygmy.]

Definition: Of or pertaining to a pygmy; resembling a pygmy or dwarf; dwarfish; very small. " Like that Pygmean race." Milton. Pygmy antelope (Zoöl.), the kleeneboc.

– Pygmy goose (Zoöl.), any species of very small geese of the genus Nettapus, native of Africa, India, and Australia.

– Pygmy owl (Zoöl.), the gnome. Pygmy parrot (Zoöl.), any one of several species of very small green parrots (Nasiternæ), native of New Guinea and adjacent islands. They are not larger than sparrows. Pygmy chimpanzee, a species of anthropoid ape (Pan paniscus) resembling the chimpanzee, but somewhat smaller; also called bonobo. It is considered (1996) as having the closest genetic relationship to humans of any other animal. It is found in forests in Zaire, and is an endangered species.

Pyg"my, n.; pl. Pygmies. Etym: [L. pygmaeus, Gr. Pugnacious, Fist.] [Written also pigmy.]

1. (Class. Myth.)

Definition: One of a fabulous race of dwarfs who waged war with the cranes, and were destroyed.

2. Hence, a short, insignificant person; a dwarf. Pygmies are pygmies still, though perched on Alps. And pyramids are pyramids in vales. Young.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

5 November 2024

TEMPORIZE

(verb) draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time; “The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote”


Do you know this game?

Wordscapes

Wordscapes is a popular word game consistently in the top charts of both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The Android version has more than 10 million installs. This guide will help you get more coins in less than two minutes of playing the game. Continue reading Wordscapes: Get More Coins