'dwarfism' originates from the Old English word 'dweorh', which referred to a small mythical being, and the suffix '-ism', indicating a condition or state.

'dweorh' transformed into the Middle English word 'dwerf', and eventually became the modern English word 'dwarf', with 'dwarfism' denoting the condition.

Initially, 'dweorh' referred to mythical beings, but over time, 'dwarfism' evolved to describe a medical condition of short stature.