Pigmy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ท
pigmy
[ หpษชษกmi ]
ethnic group
A pigmy is a member of certain peoples of very short stature in equatorial Africa and parts of Oceania. These groups are characterized by their small height and traditionally semi-nomadic lifestyles, often living in rainforests. The term is sometimes considered derogatory when used to label people based solely on their height.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The pigmy tribes have unique cultures and languages.
- Researchers study the lifestyles of pigmy communities.
- Pigmy hunters have extensive knowledge of their forest environment.
zoology
In zoology, the term pigmy refers to various species that are notably small compared to their relatives. This can include pigmy goats, pigs, and other animals. These animals are bred or occur naturally with smaller body sizes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The pigmy goat is a popular small breed.
- Pigmy owls are much smaller than average owls.
- Pigmy sperm whales are the smallest of their kind.
Translations
Translations of the word "pigmy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น pigmeu
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคฟเคเฅเคฎเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Pygmรคe
๐ฎ๐ฉ pigmey
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะณะผะตะน
๐ต๐ฑ pigmej
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฐใใผ
๐ซ๐ท pygmรฉe
๐ช๐ธ pigmeo
๐น๐ท pigme
๐ฐ๐ท ํผ๊ทธ๋ฏธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุฒู
๐จ๐ฟ pigmรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ pigmej
๐จ๐ณ ไพๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ pigmej
๐ฎ๐ธ pigmรญ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะธะณะผะตะน
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ pigme
๐ฒ๐ฝ pigmeo
Etymology
The word 'pigmy' has its origins in the Greek word 'pygmaios', which means 'measured by the cubit' or 'dwarf-like'. It referred to a mythical race of small people living in certain regions, notably depicted in ancient Greek texts. The term came into use in English in the 16th century to denote various groups of people characterized by their short stature, particularly in Africa. Over time, the use of the term has evolved and can refer both to human populations and to smaller variations of certain animal species, although care must be taken to avoid derogatory connotations when discussing human groups.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,706 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 31703 quavering
- 31704 palimpsest
- 31705 chlamydia
- 31706 pigmy
- 31707 luckiest
- 31708 transcriber
- 31709 roiling
- ...