Gnome

Quick meaning: Gnome is a noun meaning (magic, alchemy, Rosicrucianism) An elemental (spirit or corporeal creature associated with a classical element) associated with earth.

Meaning

(magic, alchemy, Rosicrucianism) An elemental (spirit or corporeal creature associated with a classical element) associated with earth.

More Meanings

1. (informal, derogatory) A person of a small stature or misshapen features, or of a strange appearance.
2. The mountain pygmy owl, Glaucidium gnoma, a small owl of the western United States.
3. A small statue of a dwarf-like character, often bearded, placed in a garden.
4. (astronomy, meteorology) An upper atmospheric optical phenomenon associated with thunderstorms, a compact blue starter.
5. (often derogatory) A banker, especially a secretive international one.
6. A brief reflection or maxim; a pithy saying.
7. (mythology, fantasy) 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.

Example Sentences

When the trees were disposed of, the gnomes vanished again.

There were ornamental ponds and shrubs clipped into animal shapes, painted concrete gnomes sitting on mushrooms, pink flamingos standing on one leg[.]

There were not one but four gnomes standing at his feet. “I nearly trod on you,” Daniel said. “What are you doing here?” The gnomes just stood, looking up at him.

He adopts the Rosycrusian fancy of Gnomes, spirits which inhabit the earth, and who by their power form the ores of metals, and all the wonders met with in the inmost recesses of the globe.

Word Forms

• gnomes
• gnomae
• gnomai

Synonyms for gnome

Depending on context, synonyms include adage, apothegm, maxim, paroemia, proverb, dwarf.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include dwarf, troll, midget, rhone, apothegm, apophthegm.

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