(adj) not clear to the understanding, Syn. puzzling, enigmatical, Example:I didn't grasp the meaning of that enigmatic comment until much later; prophetic texts so enigmatic that their meaning has been disputed for centuries
(adj) resembling an oracle in obscurity of thought, Syn. oracular, Example:the oracular sayings of Victorian poets; so enigmatic that priests might have to clarify it; an enigmatic smile
(n) a canon in which the entrances of successive parts were indicated by cryptic symbols and devices (popular in the 15th and 16th centuries), Syn. enigmatic canon, enigmatical canon, riddle canon
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ } a. [ Cf. F. énigmatique. ] Relating to or resembling an enigma; not easily explained or accounted for; darkly expressed; not clear to the understanding; obscure; puzzling; as, an enigmatical answer; I didn't grasp the meaning of that enigmatical comment until much later; prophetic texts so enigmatical that their meaning has been disputed for centuries. Syn. -- dark, obscure, puzzling. [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ]