gnome

1
[ nohm ]
/ noʊm /

noun

(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.
an expert in monetary or financial affairs; international banker or financier: the gnomes of Zurich.

Origin of gnome

1
1705–15; < French < New Latin gnomus, perhaps < Greek gnṓmē; see gnome2

SYNONYMS FOR gnome

1 See goblin, sylph.

OTHER WORDS FROM gnome

gnom·ish, adjective

Words nearby gnome

gnetophyte, gniezno, gnma, gnoc, gnocchi, gnome, gnomic, gnomist, gnomology, gnomon, gnomonic

Example sentences from the Web for gnomish

  • All his brave resolutions seemed to drain away before their old, gnomish faces.

    The Colors of Space |Marion Zimmer Bradley

  • Presently his face, preternaturally solemn and gnomish behind the goggles, protruded over the rim.

    The Unspeakable Perk |Samuel Hopkins Adams

  • A quick visualization of that gnomish, froggish face was enough to dispel the suspicion.

    The Unspeakable Perk |Samuel Hopkins Adams

  • Out from the yellow heart of the pansy-blackness her small, grave, gnomish face peered after him with pristine frankness.

    Little Eve Edgarton |Eleanor Hallowell Abbott

British Dictionary definitions for gnomish (1 of 2)

gnome 1
/ (nəʊm) /

noun

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
the statue of a gnome, esp in a garden
a very small or ugly person
facetious, or derogatory an international banker or financier (esp in the phrase gnomes of Zürich)

Derived forms of gnome

gnomish, adjective

Word Origin for gnome

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

British Dictionary definitions for gnomish (2 of 2)

gnome 2
/ (nəʊm) /

noun

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

Word Origin for gnome

C16: from Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know