ˈnēəˌfīt, usu -īd.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin neophytus recently converted, recently planted, from Greek neophytos, from ne- + phytos, verbal of phyein to grow, bring forth — more at be
1. : a new convert : proselyte ; especially : a convert to the Christian faith in the early church
2. Roman Catholicism
a. : a newly ordained priest
b. : a novice in a convent
3. : a young or inexperienced practitioner or student : tyro , beginner
to the neophyte , the desert may be only a barren waste — Gladwin Hill
psychic code-deciphering that makes Freud look like a neophyte and Jung like an amateur — Joseph Frank
Synonyms: see novice