noun/verb/adjectivepl: dwarfs/dwarves
anão
1. a person of unusually small stature, especially one whose small size is due to a medical condition
The dwarf had a condition that prevented normal growth.
O anão tinha uma condição que impedia o crescimento normal.
2. a mythical creature, typically small in size, often depicted as skilled in crafts or magic
The dwarves in the fantasy novel guarded the treasure.
Os anões no romance de fantasia guardavam o tesouro.
3. a star of relatively small size and low luminosity
A white dwarf is a type of stellar remnant.
Uma anã branca é um tipo de remanescente estelar.
4. to make something seem small by comparison; to stunt the growth of
The tall building dwarfs the smaller houses nearby.
O prédio alto reduz a importância das casas menores próximas.
5. adjective: much smaller than usual
They planted dwarf varieties of fruit trees.
Eles plantaram variedades anãs de árvores frutíferas.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'anão' is the standard translation for both fantasy dwarves and the medical condition. In modern usage, especially in medical contexts, Portuguese speakers often prefer more respectful terminology like 'pessoa de baixa estatura' (person of short stature). The term has been historically associated with fantasy literature and mythology, particularly through translations of works like Tolkien, where 'anões' refers to the dwarf races. In contemporary usage, the word maintains its fantastical connotation strongly in Brazilian culture.
NYC Slang
shorty (informal/colloquial, though potentially offensive)
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