below 3 kilohertz
"No, that low-frequency hum is not an elf; it's just electrical interference below three kilohertz."
A luminous spirit presiding over nature and fertility and dwelling in the world of Álfheim (Elfland). Compare angel, nymph, fairy.
"The system crashed because it tried to load an elf binary without the correct permissions."
Initialism of Executable and Linking Format (a common object file format for Unix)
In plain English: An elf is a small, magical creature from stories that often helps Santa Claus deliver toys on Christmas Eve.
"The children loved dressing up in elf costumes for Christmas Eve."
Usage: Use "elf" to refer specifically to a mythological creature from Norse or Germanic folklore known for living underground and possessing magical powers. Distinguish this term from similar beings like fairies by noting the traditional association with elves' pale skin, pointed ears, and their role in presiding over nature rather than human households.
To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.
"The wind blew through the forest, twisting her long golden locks until they were matted in tight, tangled elfs."
In plain English: To elf means to work hard and quickly on something, usually for someone else's benefit.
"The elf in his pants will make you dance until midnight."
Initialism of Earth Liberation Front (a radical environmentalism group)
"The activist was arrested after being identified as an elf, short for a member of the Earth Liberation Front."
The word "elf" comes from Old English, where it originally meant a white spirit or being. Its ultimate roots likely trace back to an ancient language that described something white.