Dwarfism: Abnormally short stature. Some forms are hereditary. The Little People of America (LPA) define dwarfism as an adult height of 148 cm (4 feet 10 inches) or less. Also known as nanism. Dwarfism is now more correctly called short stature.
See also specific types, such as Achondroplasia, Hypochondroplasia, Pituitary dwarfism, Seckel syndrome, Thanatophoric dwarfism.