anomalist

noun

anom·​a·​list
-lə̇st
plural -s
: an adherent of the view held by certain Greek grammarians of the 2d century b.c. that in language the connection between the word and the idea is arbitrary and based on convention alone
opposed to analogist

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from German, from anomal- + -ist

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anomalist was in 1860

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near anomalist

Cite this Entry

“Anomalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anomalist. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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