n. 1. A recent convert to a belief; a proselyte. 2. A beginner or novice: a neophyte at politics. 3. a. Roman Catholic Church A newly ordained priest. b. A novice of a religious order or congregation. [Middle English, from Late Latin neophytus, from Greek neophutos, newly planted, a recent convert : neo-, neo- + -phutos, planted (from phuein, to bring forth, make grow; see bheuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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