polymath

[ pol-ee-math ]

noun

1. a person of great learning in several fields of study; polyhistor.

polymath

/ ˈpɒlɪˌmæθ; pəˈlɪməθɪ /

noun

1. a person of great and varied learning

Derived Forms

• polymathy, noun
• ˌpolyˈmathic, adjective

Other Words From

• poly·mathic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polymath¹

1615–25; < Greek polymathḗs learned, having learned much, equivalent to poly- poly- + -mathēs, adj. derivative of manthánein to learn

Word History and Origins

Origin of polymath¹

C17: from Greek polumathēs having much knowledge

Example Sentences

For his first non-American subject, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns chose Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci.

From Los Angeles Times

The Florentine Renaissance artist, engineer and polymath made the most famous picture of all time, a painted poplar panel that hangs in virtual isolation in the Salle des États at Paris’ Louvre Museum.

From Los Angeles Times

For all we know, Eric’s payback may be as much about that horse as Shelly, a thinly realized character who will ultimately neither help nor harm twigs’ brand as an entrancing art polymath.

From Los Angeles Times

And fellow co-founder of Autonomy, David Tabizel, called Mr Lynch a "human supercomputer" and a great polymath with an inquisitive mind.

From BBC

Her father, a brilliant musical polymath and beloved guitar hero, was a workaholic and thus a fleeting presence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplished
• educated
• scholarly
• scientific
• studied
• well-educated