elf

¹

[ elf ]

noun

, plural elves [elvz].

1. (in folklore) one of a class of preternatural beings, especially from mountainous regions, with magical powers, given to capricious and often mischievous interference in human affairs, and usually imagined to be a diminutive being in human form; sprite; fairy.
2. a diminutive person, especially a child.
3. a mischievous person, especially a child.

ELF

²

or elf

abbreviation for

, Radio.

1. extremely low frequency.

ELF

¹

abbreviation for

1. extremely low frequency

elf

²

/ ɛlf /

noun

1. (in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous
2. a mischievous or whimsical child

Derived Forms

• ˈelfˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• elflike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elf¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, from Old English ælf, elf, ylf, akin to Old High German alp “incubus” ( Middle High German alp , German Alp “nightmare”), Old Norse álfr, Danish alf “elf” ælfen; elfin

Word History and Origins

Origin of elf¹

Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white

Synonym Study

See fairy.