Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who is exceptionally knowledgeable in a particular field.
The medical savant was able to diagnose rare diseases with astonishing accuracy.
A learned person, especially a distinguished scientist or scholar.
As a savant in physics, his contributions to theoretical research have been groundbreaking.
A person with profound or extensive knowledge, often in a specialized area, who may also have a mental disability.
Despite his challenges, he was a musical savant, composing symphonies that captivated audiences.
Etymology
French, from the verb 'savoir' meaning 'to know'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
savant syndrome:
A condition in which a person with a developmental disability demonstrates profound expertise in a particular area.
savant vocabulary:
A specialized or advanced level of language used by experts in a specific field.
Slang Meanings
A term used to refer to someone who is exceptionally talented in a niche area.
He's a coding savant; he can write complex algorithms without any help.
Used informally to describe someone who seems to know a lot about a specific subject.
She's a history savant; you can ask her anything about ancient civilizations.