Main Entry: ¹dark

Pronunciation: \ˈdärk\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide

Date: before 12th century

1 a : devoid or partially devoid of light : not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light <a dark room> b : transmitting only a portion of light <dark glasses>
2 a : wholly or partially black <dark clothing> b of a color : of low or very low lightness c : being less light in color than other substances of the same kind <dark rum>
3 a : arising from or showing evil traits or desires : evil <the dark powers that lead to war> b : dismal, gloomy <had a dark view of the future> c : lacking knowledge or culture : unenlightened <a dark period in history> d : relating to grim or depressing circumstances <dark humor>
4 a : not clear to the understanding b : not known or explored because of remoteness <the darkest reaches of the continent>
5 : not fair in complexion : swarthy
6 : secret <kept his plans dark>
7 : possessing depth and richness <a dark voice>
8 : closed to the public <the theater is dark in the summer>

synonyms see obscure

— dark·ish \ˈdär-kish\ adjective

— dark·ly adverb

— dark·ness noun