mystery

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mys•ter•y

[[t]ˈmɪs tə ri, -tri[/t]] n. pl. -ter•ies

1) anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained or unknown:

the mysteries of nature[/ex]

2) a person or thing having qualities that arouse curiosity or speculation:

The masked guest was a mystery to everyone[/ex]

3) lit.+sbz a novel, film, or the like whose plot involves the solving of a puzzle, esp. a crime

4) the quality of being obscure or puzzling:

an air of mystery[/ex]

5) rel any truth unknowable except by divine revelation

6) rel (in the Christian religion)

a) a sacramental rite

b) the Eucharist

7) rel an incident or scene in the life or passion of Christ, or in the life of the Virgin Mary

8) rel mysteries

a) ancient religions with secret rites and rituals known only to initiates

b) any rites or secrets known only to initiates

c) (in the Christian religion) the Eucharistic elements

9) rel

mystery play

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Etymology: 1275–1325; ME < L mystērium < Gk mystḗrion=mýs(tēs) (see mystic) + -tērion n. suffix II

mys•ter•y

[[t]ˈmɪs tə ri[/t]] n. pl. -ter•ies. archaic

1) a craft or trade

2) a guild, as of merchants

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Etymology: 1325–75; « L ministerium ministry