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.

Related Words

• fairy