Re"al*ist, n. [Cf. F. r'ealiste.]
1. Philos.
One who believes in realism; esp., one who maintains that generals, or the terms used to denote the genera and species of things, represent real existences, and are not mere names, as maintained by the nominalists.
2. Art. & Lit.
An artist or writer who aims at realism in his work. See Realism, 2.
<-- 3. a person who avoids unrealistic or impractical beliefs or efforts. Contrasted to idealist or visionary. -->
© Webster 1913.