savant
/ˈsav(ə)nt
/ /savɑ̃/noun
A learned person, especially a distinguished scientist. See also idiot savant.Gigerenzer seems to think that considered debate between these savants would permit a slower but better guided development of scientific psychology....
- They're obsessed with systems, and they're good at systemizing, even when they don't happen to be mathematics professors or savants.
- I wanted to link up what Brits were up to in the period 1600 to 1900 and what other cultures, people, savants and natural philosophers are doing to give a networked picture of the development of the sciences.
Synonyms
intellectual, scholar, sage, philosopher, thinker, learned person, wise person, Solomon;
guru, master, authority;
Indian mahatma, maharishi, pandit
Origin
Early 18th century: French, literally 'knowing (person)', present participle (used as a noun) of savoir.