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elf

/ɛlf/

noun

Meaning

  • A luminous spirit presiding over nature and fertility and dwelling in the world of Álfheim (Elfland). Compare angel, nymph, fairy.

  • Any from a race of mythical, supernatural beings resembling but seen as distinct from human beings. They are usually delicate-featured and skilled in magic or spellcrafting; sometimes depicted as clashing with dwarves, especially in modern fantasy literature.

  • Any of the magical, typically forest-guarding races bearing some similarities to the Norse álfar (through Tolkien's Eldar).

  • A very diminutive person; a dwarf.

  • The bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).

Synonyms

fairy,
goblin

verb

Meaning

  • To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.