naturalist

[nach-er-uh-list, nach-ruh-] /ˈnætʃ ər ə lɪst, ˈnætʃ rə-/
noun
1.
a person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially a zoologist or botanist.
2.
an adherent of naturalism in literature or art.
Origin
1580-90; natural + -ist
Related forms
antinaturalist, noun, adjective
nonnaturalist, noun
Can be confused
naturalist, naturist, nudist.
Examples from the web for naturalist
  • The naturalist-guided tour covers canyons, waterfalls and geyser basins with a focus on wildlife watching and animal tracking.
  • The naturalist would approve of how evolutionary science continues to improve.
  • Not much is known about his training as a naturalist or artist.
  • If you have naturalist leanings, this is indispensable.
  • They should also be able to provide naturalist guides and plentiful information.
  • Sophie is a naturalist and artist with a strong interest in birds.
  • Using his quiet country estate as headquarters, the great naturalist was a reclusive revolutionary.
  • His career as a naturalist and broadcaster has spanned nearly five decades.
  • Imagine you are a naturalist with a liking for insects.
  • Being a philosophical naturalist does not mean that one thinks that science can provide all of the answers.
British Dictionary definitions for naturalist

naturalist

/ˈnætʃrəlɪst; -tʃərəl-/
noun
1.
a person who is expert or interested in botany or zoology, esp in the field
2.
a person who advocates or practises naturalism, esp in art or literature
Word Origin and History for naturalist
n.

"student of plants and animals," c.1600, from French naturaliste, from natural (see natural (adj.)). Earlier "one who studies natural, rather than spiritual, things" (1580s).

naturalist in Science
naturalist
  (nāch'ər-ə-lĭst)   
A person who specializes in natural history, especially in the study of plants and animals in their natural surroundings.