arcanum

[ahr-key-nuhm]

noun

plural

arcana 

1. Often arcana secret or arcane knowledge, acquired or understood by only a few.

   If you enjoy the arcana of early baseball, this book is for you.

2. a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover.

3. a secret and powerful remedy; elixir.

arcanum

/ ɑːˈkeɪnəm /

noun

1. (sometimes plural) a profound secret or mystery known only to initiates

2. a secret of nature sought by alchemists

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcanum¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin, neuter (used as noun) of arcānus arcane ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcanum¹

C16: from Latin; see _arcane

Example Sentences

The point is that they aren’t arcana that’s only known to the most devoted of Boss fans, so the dissonance between what the audience knows and what they’re being told will have an impact.

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His novels move with kinetic energy, his plots are intricate puzzles shrouded in religious iconography, ancient cryptography and other obscure arcana.

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Among the ultra-blessed 22 cards in the tarot’s major arcana — that is, the cards that have the power to shift the narrative of destiny — we find “The World.”

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The past four years have been filled with battles over all sorts of election arcana, including one that had long been regarded as an administrative afterthought — little-known state and local boards certifying the results.

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It’s a solid if typical entry into the Pavement slacker-rock arcana.

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