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

gnome

²

/ 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 )

Derived Forms

• ˈgnomish, adjective

Other Words From

• gnomish 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

C16: from Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know

Origin of gnome²

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

Synonym Study

See goblin, sylph.

Example Sentences

“It was a simple idea of, ‘What if Wallace invents a smart gnome, a robot gnome, to help Gromit in the garden, and things inevitably go wrong?’

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Asda's festive advert features a team of garden gnomes who rise up from the snow to save Christmas.

From BBC

For example, he’s noticed that garden gnome statues never require homeowner association approval, but Chinese lion statues of the same size often require paperwork and separate approvals.

From Los Angeles Times

Previous publicity for Vengeance Most Fowl revealed te film will see Wallace develop a "smart gnome" that seems to have a mind of its own.

From BBC

The Masters golf-centric gnomes have been selling out within a couple of hours each morning after the tournament gift shop opens.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• fairy