pyg|my

Pyg|my «PIHG mee», noun, plural -mies, adjective.

–n.

1. one of a group of dark-skinned people native to equatorial Africa who are less than five feet tall.

2. one of a race of very small humans mentioned in ancient history and legend as inhabiting parts of Ethiopia or India.

–adj.

of or having to do with the Pygmies. Also, pigmy.

╂[< Middle English Pigmei < Latin pygmaei < Greek pygmaîoi (originally) plural, adjective, dwarfish < pygm cubit, fist < pýx, adverb, with the fist]

pyg|my «PIHG mee», noun, plural -mies, adjective.

–n.

1. a very small person; dwarf: »

... rumors of South American pygmies (Science News Letter).

2. any very small animal or thing, especially when compared with something else or with a certain standard: »

He proceeded to the 50,000-bird colony of Adélie Penguins (18-inch pygmies compared to the 40-inch Emperors) (Newsweek).

–adj.

1. very small: »

Pygmy marmosets live along the Amazon River in South America.

2. Figurative. of very small capacity or power: »

a pygmy mind.

Also, pigmy.