adjective

arcane

arcane, mysterious, secret

He understood the arcane rules of the game.

He understood the arcane rules of the game.

This is an arcane subject of interest to few people.

This is an arcane subject of interest to few people.

((an arcane sth.)) a mysterious or secret (sth.) He explained the arcane procedures.

Synonyms: mysterious, esoteric, obscure; Antonyms: well-known, common, public

From Latin 'arcanus' (secret, hidden), from 'arca' (a chest, box). The original meaning is 'shut up in a box'.

Imagine a secret scroll kept in an 'ark' or chest. It's arcane.

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