Arcane

/ɑːrˈkeɪn/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Understood by few; mysterious or secret.

The professor specialized in arcane languages that only a handful of scholars could read.

Known or understood by very few; obscure.

The arcane rules of the society puzzled many who were unfamiliar with its traditions.

Relating to or characteristic of the ancient or mysterious.

The museum showcased arcane artifacts that revealed insights into long-lost civilizations.

From Latin 'arcanus' meaning 'secret, hidden'.

arcane knowledge

Knowledge that is secret or understood by only a few.

arcane arts

Practices or skills that are obscure and mysterious.

arcane rituals

Ceremonies or practices that are secret and not widely understood.

esoteric

Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

occult

Related to magical or supernatural phenomena; beyond the range of ordinary knowledge.

cryptic

Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.

Secretive or not openly known.

They had an arcane way of communicating, like their own secret code.

Something highly specialized that not many people understand.

Her knowledge of those arcane tech specs makes her a key player in the team.