gymnosophist

noun

gym·​nos·​o·​phist jim-ˈnä-sə-fist How to pronounce gymnosophist (audio)
: any of a sect of ascetics in ancient India who went naked and practiced meditation

Word History

Etymology

Latin gymnosophista, from Greek gymnosophistēs, from gymnos + sophistēs wise man, sophist

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gymnosophist was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near gymnosophist

Cite this Entry

“Gymnosophist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gymnosophist. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!