mad scientists

Noun

mad scientist (plural mad scientists)

1. A stock character in fiction who embodies such an archetype.
   • The Nutty Professor franchise explores the light comedic potential of a mad scientist.

   Synonyms:

   Doctor Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein, Dr Frankenstein, Frankenstein, mad professor

2. A real-life scientist who is asserted to embody such an archetype.
   • The mad scientists at Acme Labs have done it again! [said either approvingly or disparagingly]
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: a scientist who is insane, power-mad, or similarly deranged.
   • In the 1890s, some of the locals viewed the chemical plant as a folly run by mad scientists and venal aristocrats.