I. ˈȯrə̇kəl, ˈär-, -rēk- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin oraculum, from orare to speak + -culum, suffix denoting means, place, or instrument — more at oration
1.
a.
(1) : a revelation received from the God of Judaism and Christianity : a divine revelation
(2) : a typically ambiguous or enigmatic revelation or utterance believed to issue from a divinity through a medium (as a priest or priestess) thought to be inspired
b. : an authoritative or wise expression : an answer delivered with an aspect of oracular certainty
could utter oracles of Delphian ambiguity — Thomas Hardy
2.
a.
(1) : a medium by which a pagan god reveals hidden knowledge or makes known the divine purpose
(2) : a medium of communication from the Hebraic or Christian God : an expounder or interpreter of God's will
b. : a place where a divine revelation or an utterance believed to issue from a divinity is given
3.
a. : a person of great authority or wisdom whose opinions or judgments are regarded with great respect : one who is considered or professes to be infallible
a systematic philosopher, not a dabbler or oracle — W.W.Austin
b. : something (as a scientific instrument) on which one can rely for guidance or direction : an infallible guide
electronic computers are rapidly becoming the oracles of industry — Time
II. verb
( oracled ; oracled ; oracling -kliŋ ; oracles )
archaic : to proclaim or speak as an oracle