gnomai

Noun

gnome (plural gnomes)

1. (magic) An elemental (spirit or corporeal creature associated with a classical element) associated with earth.
   • 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.1811, The Medical and Physical Journal, volume 25, page 138
2. 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.
   • When the trees were disposed of, the gnomes vanished again.1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 226
3. (derogatory, informal) A person of a small stature or misshapen features, or of a strange appearance.
4. The mountain pygmy owl, Glaucidium gnoma, a small owl of the western United States.
5. A small statue of a dwarf-like character, often bearded, placed in a garden.
   • There were ornamental ponds and shrubs clipped into animal shapes, painted concrete gnomes sitting on mushrooms, pink flamingos standing on one leg[.]1968, Carl Ruhen, The Key Club, Sydney: Scripts, page 20

   Synonyms:

   garden gnome, lawn gnome

6. An upper atmospheric optical phenomenon associated with thunderstorms, a compact blue starter.

See all 10 meanings of gnome