I. ˈdärk adjective
Etymology: Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : devoid or partially devoid of light : not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light
a dark room
b. : transmitting only a portion of light
dark glasses
2.
a. : wholly or partially black
dark clothing
b. of a color : of low or very low lightness
c. : being less light in color than other substances of the same kind
dark rum
3.
a. : arising from or showing evil traits or desires : evil
the dark powers that lead to war
b. : dismal , gloomy
had a dark view of the future
c. : lacking knowledge or culture : unenlightened
a dark period in history
d. : relating to grim or depressing circumstances
dark humor
4.
a. : not clear to the understanding
b. : not known or explored because of remoteness
the dark est reaches of the continent
5. : not fair in complexion : swarthy
6. : secret
kept his plans dark
7. : possessing depth and richness
a dark voice
8. : closed to the public
the theater is dark in the summer
Synonyms: see obscure
• dark·ish ˈdär-kish adjective
• dark·ly adverb
• dark·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : a place or time of little or no light : night , nightfall
after dark
b. : absence of light : darkness
afraid of the dark
2. : a dark or deep color
•
- in the dark
III. verb
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
obsolete : to grow dark
transitive verb
: to make dark