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 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

“It’s the last hour, and I’m feeling the energy draining,” Taylor Mac, the performing arts polymath, announced near the end of a recent rehearsal at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

From New York Times

In place of the genius polymath, it offers an undeniably gifted but erratic master of line — a figure not intimidating in his virtuosity, like a Leonardo or a Michelangelo, but certainly endearing.

From New York Times

Related Words

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