noun
naturalist
NACH-ruh-list/ˈnætʃrəlɪst/
A person who studies or observes plants, animals, and the natural world.
The naturalist studies the wildflowers with a lens and notebook.
Etymology
A naturalist was first someone who studied natural rather than spiritual things. The nature-related base and person-forming ending came to identify a student of plants, animals, and the wider natural world.
In context
me naturalist Katie where we talk about a different tree every week now this week's tree is the catalpa tree katalpa speciosa
More examples
- A local naturalist led the woodland walk.
- She kept the careful notes of an experienced naturalist.
- The naturalist observed insects beside the pond.
Forms
naturalist · naturalists
Similar words
- biologist
- A biologist studies living organisms scientifically; a naturalist particularly observes nature, often in the field.
- ecologist
- An ecologist studies relationships among organisms and environments; a naturalist may observe a broader range of natural features.