adj.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )i- ' ne-f ə -b ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ineffabilis, from in- + effabilis capable of being expressed, from effari to speak out, from ex- + fari to speak ― more at BAN
Date: 14th century
1 a : incapable of being expressed in words : INDESCRIBABLE < ineffable joy> b : UNSPEAKABLE < ineffable disgust>
2 : not to be uttered : TABOO <the ineffable name of Jehovah>
– in · ef · fa · bil · i · ty \ - ˌ ne-f ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– in · ef · fa · ble · ness \ - ' ne-f ə -b ə l-n ə s \ noun
– in · ef · fa · bly \ -bl ē \ adverb