Main Entry: or·a·cle

Pronunciation: \ˈȯr-ə-kəl, ˈär-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin oraculum, from orare to speak — more at oration

Date: 15th century

1 a : a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak b : a shrine in which a deity reveals hidden knowledge or the divine purpose through such a person c : an answer or decision given by an oracle
2 a : a person giving wise or authoritative decisions or opinions b : an authoritative or wise expression or answer