arcane

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Translations 1.3.4 References 2 Italian 2.1 Adjective

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin arcanus (“‘hidden, secret’”) < arcere (“‘to shut up’”), arca (“‘a chest’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪn

[edit] Adjective

arcane (comparative more arcane, superlative most arcane)

1. Understood by only a few; obscure; requiring secret or mysterious knowledge.
   • 1997: Chris Horrocks, Introducing Foucault, page 67, The Renaissance Episteme (Totem Books, Icon Books; ISBN 1840460865)

     A “signature” was placed on all things by God to indicate their affinities — but it was hidden, hence the search for arcane knowledge. Knowing was guessing and interpreting, not observing or demonstrating.

[edit] Synonyms

• esoteric

[edit] Related terms

• arcana

[edit] Translations

[edit] References

• arcane in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• arcane in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• arcane at OneLook® Dictionary Search

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[edit] Italian

[edit] Adjective

arcane f.

1. Feminine plural form of arcano.