Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

Delphic

[del-fik]
adjective
  1. of or relating to Delphi.
  2. of or relating to Apollo, or to his temples or oracles.
  3. (often lowercase) oracular; obscure; ambiguous: She was known for her Delphic pronouncements.
Show More

Origin of Delphic

1590–1600; < Latin Delphicus < Greek Delphikós, equivalent to Delph(oí) Delphi + -ikos -ic
Related formsdel·phi·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

unimaginable, unintelligible, puzzling, impenetrable, opaque, unfathomable, baffling, mystifying, inconceivable, afraid, unsure, hesitant, touchy, shaky, apprehensive, anxious, uptight, troubled, enigmatic, ambiguous

Examples from the Web for delphic

Historical Examples

  • "A Delphic utterance, if ever there was one," he said, and laughed partly in relief.

    Before the Dawn

    Joseph Alexander Altsheler

  • With this Delphic utterance he put his finger to his lips, and vanished.

  • Like all prophecies, it was somewhat Delphic; but he could get the general drift.

    The Blind Spot

    Austin Hall

  • The Epirotes say that these are descended from the Delphic python.

    Mythical Monsters

    Charles Gould

  • Those Delphic lines: lines so crowded with meaning as to seem the utterances of an oracle.

British Dictionary definitions for delphic

Delphic

Delphian

adjective
  1. of or relating to Delphi or its oracle or temple
  2. obscure or ambiguous
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for delphic

Delphic

adj.

1590s, from Latin Delphicus, from Greek Delphikos, from Delphi (see Delphi).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper