I. ˈmis-t(ə-)rē noun
( plural -ter·ies )
Etymology: Middle English mysterie, from Latin mysterium, from Greek mystērion, from mystēs initiate
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand
b.
(1) : any of the 15 events (as the Nativity, the Crucifixion, or the Assumption) serving as a subject for meditation during the saying of the rosary
(2) capitalized : a Christian sacrament ; specifically : Eucharist
c.
(1) : a secret religious rite believed (as in Eleusinian and Mithraic cults) to impart enduring bliss to the initiate
(2) : a cult devoted to such rites
2.
a. : something not understood or beyond understanding : enigma
b. obsolete : a private secret
c. : the secret or specialized practices or ritual peculiar to an occupation or a body of people
the mysteries of the tailor's craft
d. : a piece of fiction dealing usually with the solution of a mysterious crime
3. : profound, inexplicable, or secretive quality or character
the mystery of her smile
Synonyms:
mystery , problem , enigma , riddle , puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes. mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation
the mystery of the stone monoliths
problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern
problems created by high technology
enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret
his suicide remains an enigma
riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction
the riddle of the reclusive pop star
puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution
the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police
II. noun
( plural -ter·ies )
Etymology: Middle English ministry, office, craft, from Anglo-French mesterie , from Late Latin misterium, mysterium, alteration of ministerium service, occupation, from minister servant — more at minister
Date: 14th century
1. archaic : trade , craft
2. archaic : a body of persons engaged in a particular trade, business, or profession : guild
3. : mystery play