arcane

adjective

ar·​cane är-ˈkān How to pronounce arcane (audio)
: known or knowable only to a few people : secret
arcane rites
an arcane ritual
broadly : mysterious, obscure
arcane explanations
arcane technical details

Examples of arcane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is not an arcane political issue involving NATO or the jobless report. Dan McGinn, Washington Post, 11 July 2024 During arguments before Cannon on Friday, Trump’s defense lawyers aided by outside attorneys invited by the judge — known as friends of the court — jumped at the chance to pick at the arcane laws and regulations authorizing the special counsel appointments over the years. David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2024 There was nothing arcane about Conecta Fiction, however, which captured the current contradictions of the international TV industry. John Hopewell, Variety, 24 June 2024 But the nonstop news coverage of two people with such famous last names helped give Americans a crash course in their judicial system, albeit one filled with arcane terms, practices and decisions. David Jackson, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for arcane 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arcane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin arcānus "secret, private, intimate," from arca "chest, coffer, box" + -ānus -an entry 2 — more at ark

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arcane was in 1547

Dictionary Entries Near arcane

Cite this Entry

“Arcane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arcane. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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