elf
n.-
1 magical creature (n.) B1 Intermediatea magical creature from old stories, often small and mischievous or helpful.
a supernatural being from Germanic mythology, traditionally associated with magic, mischief, or nature.
ExampleThe children believed that a tiny elf lived in the hollow tree at the end of the garden.
ExampleFolklore often depicts the elf as a capricious spirit capable of both aiding humans and leading them astray with illusions.
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2 fantasy race (n.) B1 Intermediatein modern fantasy books, a tall, graceful person with pointed ears who lives for a long time.
a member of a fictional race of elegant, long-lived beings, popularized by modern high fantasy literature.
ExampleIn the movie, the elf used a bow and arrow to defend the forest.
ExampleThe author subverted traditional tropes by portraying the elf as a gritty, urban dweller rather than a forest-bound mystic.
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3 Christmas helper (n.) A2 Elementarya small person who helps Santa Claus make toys for Christmas.
a diminutive figure in modern Western folklore depicted as an assistant to Santa Claus.
ExampleThe department store was decorated with pictures of an elf holding a gift.
ExampleThe tradition of the Christmas elf evolved significantly in the nineteenth century, moving away from darker Germanic roots toward a more commercialised image.
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4 extremely low frequency (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical ScienceInitialism of extremely low frequency.
Initialism of extremely low frequency; refers to radio frequencies in the range of 3 to 30 hertz.
ExampleScientists use ELF waves to communicate with submarines deep under the ocean.
ExampleThe study investigated the potential biological effects of prolonged exposure to ELF electromagnetic fields in industrial environments.
UsageUsually written in capital letters as ELF.
Last updated June 20, 2026