dwarfism
n. a condition of underdeveloped body structure due to a developmental defect, a hereditary trait, hormonal or nutritional deficiencies, or disease. The relative size of the body, head, and limbs may be proportionate or disproportionate. A perfectly proportioned individual with this condtion was formerly called a midget, a term now considered offensive; dwarf is preferred instead. Some forms of dwarfism, such as that due to thyroid-hormone deficiency, are associated with intellectual disability. Individuals with achondroplastic dwarfism (see achondroplasia) usually have normal intelligence. See also pseudoachondroplasia; pygmyism.