a ‧ non ‧ y ‧ mous /əˈnɒnəməs, əˈnɒnɪməs $ əˈnɑː-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Late Latin ; Origin: anonymus , from Greek , from an- 'without' + onyma 'name' ]
1 . unknown by name:
the anonymous author of a collection of poems
anonymous donor/benefactor
the anonymous donor of a large sum of money
According to one employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, the company engaged in illegal activities.
2 . done, sent, or given by someone who does not want their name to be known:
an anonymous donation of $5,000
anonymous phone call/letter etc (=one that is often unpleasant or contains threats)
3 . written uninteresting in features or qualities – used to show disapproval:
grey, anonymous housing estates
—anonymously adverb