n.
Pronunciation: ' prä-bl ə m, -b ə m, - ˌ blem
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English probleme, from Latin problema, from Greek probl ē ma, literally, obstacle, from proballein to throw forward, from pro- forward + ballein to throw ― more at PRO- , DEVIL
Date: 14th century
1 a : a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution b : a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done
2 a : an intricate unsettled question b : a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation c : difficulty in understanding or accepting <I have a problem with your saying that>
synonyms see MYSTERY