Learn English – a one-word synonym for “science lover”

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I'm searching for a one-word synonym for "science lover". In my case, I love science and I self study it, but I never got a degree in Physics or Chemistry or any of these related subjects (except computer-science). But I enjoy experimenting stuff and see what's going on.

So, what would be a one-word good alternative for "science lover"?

The best one I found is learner, but that's more general I guess. Scientist is probably too much in my case. I saw sciencophile in another post, but I don't really like it–it sounds too complicated.

Best Answer

The archaic answer is a philosopher, which comes from the word philosophy, where

  • philo = love; and
  • sophia = knowledge, wisdom:

philosophy (n.) c. 1300, "knowledge, body of knowledge," from Old French filosofie "philosophy, knowledge" (12c., Modern French philosophie) and directly from Latin philosophia and from Greek philosophia "love of knowledge, pursuit of wisdom; systematic investigation," from philo- "loving" (see philo-) + sophia "knowledge, wisdom," from sophis "wise, learned;" of unknown origin. - Online Etymology Dictionary

Support for the link between philosophy and science comes from the term natural philosophy:

natural philosophy noun [mass noun] archaic Natural science, especially physical science. - ODO

Note that calling a lover of science a philosopher would now be somewhat misleading. The modern understanding has specialised this usage to an academic context, hence the Ph in the title, Ph.D.

(This answer is an expanded version of a popular comment I made to a very similar question. I'm including it here for historical interest in the term philosopher.)

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