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

23 November 2024

THEORETICAL

(adjective) concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations; “theoretical science”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.

coffee icon