I. -_lə̇st noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French naturaliste, from natural, naturel natural + -iste -ist — more at natural
1.
a. : an adherent of naturalism (as in theology or philosophy)
b. : one that believes in, practices, or teaches naturalism (as in art or literature)
2.
a. archaic : one versed in natural science : natural philosopher
b. : a student of natural history ; especially : a field biologist in contrast to a laboratory worker
II. adjective
: naturalistic
belong to the naturalist school, an offshoot of realism — Marjorie Wheeler
the naturalist imprint upon a work of fiction — Philip Rahv