arcanum

American  

[ahr-key-nuhm] / ɑrˈkeɪ nəm /

noun

arcana plural

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.

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arcanum British  

/ ɑːˈkeɪnəm /

noun

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

2. a secret of nature sought by alchemists

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• arcana
  plural

Etymology

Origin of arcanum

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

Example Sentences

Of course, rather than the arcanum of regulation, what most Americans worry about today are economic growth, jobs, and the federal debt.

From Forbes • Feb. 14, 2012

And he caught his breath, for he knew he stood in the midst of the jewels for which he had penetrated into the forbidden arcanum of Asia.

From Caravans By Night A Romance of India by Hervey, Harry

She introduces us at once to the Tsar and the innermost arcanum of his Court.

From Lola Montez An Adventuress of the 'Forties by d'Auvergne, Edmund B.

Then, farewell; this archway is the entrance that will admit you into your arcanum of usefulness.

From Etidorhpa or the End of Earth. The Strange History of a Mysterious Being and The Account of a Remarkable Journey by Lloyd, John Uri

Now, we have a plan of our own to propose, in which, we think, resides the grand arcanum of social regeneration.

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 457 Volume 18, New Series, October 2, 1852 by Chambers, William