arcane
pronunciation
How to pronounce arcane in British English:
UK [ɑ:ˈkeɪn]
How to pronounce arcane in American English:
US [ɑrˈkeɪn]
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- Adjective:
- requiring secret or mysterious knowledge
Word Origin
- arcane
- arcane: [16] Arcane comes from the Latin adjective arcānus ‘hidden, secret’. This was formed from the verb arcēre ‘close up’, which in turn came from arca ‘chest, box’ (source of English ark). The neuter form of the adjective, arcānum, was used to form a noun, usually used in the plural, arcāna ‘mysterious secrets’.=> ark
- arcane (adj.)
- 1540s, from Latin arcanus "secret, hidden, private, concealed," from arcere "close up, enclose, contain," from arca "chest, box, place for safe-keeping," from PIE *ark- "to hold, contain, guard" (cognates: Greek arkos "defense," arkein "to ward off;" Armenian argel "obstacle;" Lithuanian raktas "key," rakinti "to shut, lock").
Example
- 1. This apparently arcane material is topical for two reasons .
- 2. The answers are crisp even as gates drills down into arcane details .
- 3. It is true , moreover , that sir tim never turns up his nose at any data , believing that even the most arcane may be handy for someone .
- 4. Even if you take them apart you 'll find few clues to their arcane miniaturised mechanisms .
- 5. Japanese parents with a penchant for the arcane face similar difficulties .