Main Entry: in·ef·fa·ble

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)i-ˈne-fə-bəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ineffabilis, from in- + effabilis capable of being expressed, from effari to speak out, from ex- + fari to speak — more at ban

Date: 14th century

1 a : incapable of being expressed in words : indescribable <ineffable joy> b : unspeakable <ineffable disgust>
2 : not to be uttered : taboo <the ineffable name of Jehovah>

— in·ef·fa·bil·i·ty \-ˌne-fə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— in·ef·fa·ble·ness \-ˈne-fə-bəl-nəs\ noun

— in·ef·fa·bly \-blē\ adverb