Added 9 October 2026
gnome
/ˈnəʊ̯m/ noun
Latin root: gnomus Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about gnome at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- An elemental (spirit or corporeal creature associated with a classical element) associated with earth.
- One of a race of imaginary human-like beings, usually depicted as short and typically bearded males, who inhabit the inner parts of the earth and act as guardians of mines, mineral treasure, etc.; in modern fantasy literature and games, when distinguished from dwarves, gnomes are usually smaller than dwarves and more focused on engineering than mining.
- A person of a small stature or misshapen features, or of a strange appearance.
noun
- A brief reflection or maxim; a pithy saying.
Origin
From French gnome (“gnome”), from New Latin gnomus, used by Paracelsus as a synonym for pygmaeus (“pygmy”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)