gnome

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology 1

From Greek γνωμη ‘thought, opinion’, from the base of γιγνωσκειν ‘to know’.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /nəʊm/, IPA: /nəʊmi/

[edit] Noun

gnome (plural gnomes)

1. A brief reflection or maxim; a pithy saying.

[edit] Etymology 2

From French gnome, from modern Latin gnomus, used by Paracelsus as a synonym for Pygmaeus ‘pygmy’.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /nəʊm/
• enPR: nōm, SAMPA: /n@Um/
• Rhymes: -əʊm

[edit] Noun

gnome (plural gnomes)

1. A legendary being, supposed to be short, usually bearded men who inhabit the inner parts of the earth, and act as guardians of mines, treasure, etc
2. (Rosicrucianism) The elemental being of earth.
3. A dwarf; a goblin; a person of small stature or misshapen features, or of strange appearance.
4. (zoology) A small owl (Glaucidium gnoma) of the Western United States.
5. (paganism) A nature spirit in Heathenry.

[edit] Translations

• Spanish: duende m.; pigmeo m.; gnomo m.