mys|ter|y

mys|ter|y¹ «MIHS tuhr ee, -tree», noun, plural -ter|ies.

1. something that is hidden or unknown; secret: »

the mysteries of the universe, the mystery of love.

SYNONYM(S): enigma.

2. secrecy; obscurity; condition or property of being secret or secretive: »

an atmosphere of mystery, a man of mystery.

3. something that is not explained or understood: »

the mystery of the migration of birds. It is a mystery to me how he survived the accident.

4. a novel, story, play, or motion picture about a mysterious event or events which are not explained until the end, so as to keep the reader or viewer in suspense: »

a writer of mysteries. Let's watch a mystery on TV tonight.

5. a religious conception or doctrine that human reason cannot understand: »

Father Deacy preached on the mystery of the Trinity (New York Times).

6. Often, mysteries. a secret religious rite to which only initiated persons are admitted.

7. a) a sacramental rite of the Christian religion. b) the Eucharist; Communion; Mass. c) Often, mysteries. the elements of the Eucharist.

8. an incident in the life of Jesus or one of the saints, regarded as of special significance.

9. = mystery play. (Cf. ↑mystery play)

╂[< Latin mystērium < Greek myst < mýstēs an initiate < m close (the lips or eyes)]

mys|ter|y² «MIHS tuhr ee, -tree», noun, plural -ter|ies. Archaic.

1. craft; trade: »

It [a town] makes pretence at some kind of cloth mystery (Walter Besant).

2. an association of craftsmen or merchants; guild: »

Claus Hammerlein, president of the mysteries of the workers in iron (Scott).

╂[< Medieval Latin misterium, for Latin ministerium ministry; influenced by mystery¹]