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, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for gnomish
All his brave resolutions seemed to drain away before their old, gnomish faces.
The Colors of Space|Marion Zimmer BradleyPresently his face, preternaturally solemn and gnomish behind the goggles, protruded over the rim.
The Unspeakable Perk|Samuel Hopkins AdamsA quick visualization of that gnomish, froggish face was enough to dispel the suspicion.
The Unspeakable Perk|Samuel Hopkins AdamsOut from the yellow heart of the pansy-blackness her small, grave, gnomish face peered after him with pristine frankness.
Little Eve Edgarton|Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
British Dictionary definitions for gnomish (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 gnomish (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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