adj. & v.
adj. 1 not clearly expressed or easily understood. 2 unexplained, doubtful. 3 dark, dim. 4 indistinct; not clear. 5 hidden; remote from observation. 6 a unnoticed. b (of a person) undistinguished, hardly known. 7 (of a colour) dingy, dull, indefinite.
v.tr. 1 make obscure, dark, indistinct, or unintelligible. 2 dim the glory of; outshine. 3 conceal from sight. obscure vowel = indeterminate vowel. obscuration n. obscurely adv.
[ ME f. OF obscur f. L obscurus dark ]