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