elf

[ elf ]
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noun,plural elves [elvz]. /ɛlvz/.
  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.

  1. a mischievous person, especially a child.

Origin of elf

1
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; see elfin

synonym study For elf

1. See fairy.

Other words from elf

  • elflike, adjective

Words Nearby elf

Other definitions for ELF (2 of 2)

ELF

abbreviationRadio.

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How to use elf in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for elf (1 of 2)

elf

/ (ɛlf) /


nounplural elves (ɛlvz)
  1. (in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous

  2. a mischievous or whimsical child

Origin of elf

1
Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white

Derived forms of elf

  • elflike, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for ELF (2 of 2)

ELF

abbreviation for
  1. extremely low frequency

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