Gnome (noʊm) is a small, humanoid creature, these faeries are found in deep underground caverns worldwide, and are often depicted in modern garden sculptures. They are capable of moving through solid stone as easily as humans move through air, though are effected detrimentally by sunlight. They often guard precious metals and treasures in their rocky habitats, and are thus often followed by miners and explorers.
Gnomes are mythological creatures and diminutive spirits in Renaissance magic and alchemy, first introduced by Paracelsus in the 16th century and later adopted by authors including those of modern fantasy literature. Typically small humanoids who live underground, their characteristics are reinterpreted to suit various storytellers and artists. Diminutive statues of gnomes introduced as lawn ornaments during the 19th century grew in popularity during the 20th century and came to be known as garden gnomes.
The female gnome is called gnomide or in modern fiction, instead uses the word "gnomess" to refer to female gnomes.