naturalist
[nach-er-uh-list, nach-ruh-]
- a person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially a zoologist or botanist.
- an adherent of naturalism in literature or art.
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Origin of naturalist
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
environmentalist, conservationist, zoologist, ecologist, biologist, botanist, preservationistExamples from the Web for naturalist
Contemporary Examples
Archie Carr, The Windward Road: Adventures of a Naturalist On Remote Caribbean Shores—The title tells you a lot, but not enough.
His chronicle of his trip, The Naturalist on the River Amazons, became a bestseller when it was published in 1863.
Whenever I read Matthiessen the naturalist, I am reminded of a film clip I once saw of him trying to catch a snake in the wild.
Doug Peacock is a naturalist and author who lives in Montana.
“This is boom time for meat eaters,” David Attenborough, naturalist and BBC broadcaster, once said.
Historical Examples
Let me narrate a fact interesting alike to the naturalist and meteorologist.
In the Heart of VosgesMatilda Betham-Edwards
The painter would not depict every twig, as would the naturalist.
The ForestStewart Edward White
He cannot be a naturalist, until he satisfies all the demands of the spirit.
NatureRalph Waldo Emerson
If you are a naturalist, here are grand forests to contemplate.
The StrollersFrederic S. Isham
When I read a naturalist or a biologist I am always ashamed of what I have called a sport.
Tales of FishesZane Grey
naturalist
- a person who is expert or interested in botany or zoology, esp in the field
- a person who advocates or practises naturalism, esp in art or literature
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for naturalist
n.
"student of plants and animals," c.1600, from French naturaliste, from natural (see natural (adj.)). Earlier "one who studies natural, rather than spiritual, things" (1580s).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
naturalist
[năch′ər-ə-lĭst]
- A person who specializes in natural history, especially in the study of plants and animals in their natural surroundings.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.