gnome
1[ nohm ]
/ noʊm /
noun
(in folklore) one of a species of diminutive beings, usually described as shriveled little old men, that inhabit the interior of the earth and act as guardians of its treasures; troll.
an expert in monetary or financial affairs; international banker or financier: the gnomes of Zurich.
Nearby words
Origin of gnome
1Related forms
gnom·ish, adjectiveDefinition for gnome (2 of 2)
gnome
2[ nohm, noh-mee ]
/ noʊm, ˈnoʊ mi /
noun
a short, pithy expression of a general truth; aphorism.
Origin of gnome
2First recorded in 1570–80, gnome is from the Greek word gnṓmē judgment, opinion, purpose
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for gnome
British Dictionary definitions for gnome (1 of 2)
gnome
1/ (nəʊm) /
noun
one of a species of legendary creatures, usually resembling small misshapen old men, said to live in the depths of the earth and guard buried treasure
the statue of a gnome, esp in a garden
a very small or ugly person
facetious, or derogatory an international banker or financier (esp in the phrase gnomes of Zürich)
Derived Forms
gnomish, adjectiveWord Origin for gnome
C18: from French, from New Latin gnomus, coined by Paracelsus, of obscure origin
British Dictionary definitions for gnome (2 of 2)
gnome
2/ (nəʊm) /
noun
a short pithy saying or maxim expressing a general truth or principle
Word Origin for gnome
C16: from Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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