gnome

¹

[nohm]

noun

1. (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.

2. an expert in monetary or financial affairs; international banker or financier.

   the gnomes of Zurich.

gnome

²

[nohm, noh-mee]

noun

1. a short, pithy expression of a general truth; aphorism.

gnome

¹

/ nəʊm /

noun

1. 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

2. the statue of a gnome, esp in a garden

3. a very small or ugly person

4. facetious,  an international banker or financier (esp in the phrase gnomes of Zürich )

gnome

²

/ nəʊm /

noun

1. a short pithy saying or maxim expressing a general truth or principle

Other Word Forms

• gnomish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnome¹

1705–15; from French from New Latin gnomus, perhaps from Greek gnṓmē; gnome ²

Origin of gnome²

First recorded in 1570–80, gnome is from the Greek word gnṓmē judgment, opinion, purpose

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnome¹

C18: from French, from New Latin gnomus, coined by Paracelsus, of obscure origin

Origin of gnome²

C16: from Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know

Synonym Study

See goblin, sylph.

Example Sentences

The road is lined with stone walls and cottages adorned with flags, painted rocks, wind chimes and gnomes — a mini Topanga Canyon anchored by Mary’s Market, a 103-year-old eclectic diner and country store.

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An answer that includes gnomes and a troll.

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For my wedding at Nestldown, my aesthetic was stately and whimsical gnomes.

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Stealing her father’s favorite garden gnome, she arranges for her dad to receive a series of Polaroid snapshots of the gnome at the world’s most famous tourist spots.

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In the shadow of the porcelain seats, as if placed by gnomes, sit four children’s chairs.

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Related Words

• fairy