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gnome

gnome

noun GNOHM Rare

Origin: New Latin 'gnomus', coined by Paracelsus

Usage Note

Gnome refers to the mythological earth-dwelling creature of European folklore, as well as garden gnomes (nains de jardin) that are a common decorative fixture in French gardens. The word is also used informally to describe a very short person, though this is mildly pejorative.

Examples

"Un gnome gardait l'entrée de la grotte."

Natural Translation

A gnome guarded the entrance of the cave.

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