— occulter , n. — occultly , adv. — occultness , n.
/euh kult", ok"ult/ , adj.
1. of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.
2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
3. secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated.
4. hidden from view.
5. (in early science)
a. not apparent on mere inspection but discoverable by experimentation.
b. of a nature not understood, as physical qualities.
c. dealing with such qualities; experimental: occult science.
6. Med. present in amounts too small to be visible: a chemical test to detect occult blood in the stool.
n.
7. the supernatural or supernatural agencies and affairs considered as a whole (usually prec. by the ).
8. occult studies or sciences (usually prec. by the ).
v.t.
9. to block or shut off (an object) from view; hide.
10. Astron. to hide (a celestial body) by occultation.
v.i.
11. to become hidden or shut off from view.
[ 1520-30; occultus (ptp. of occulere to hide from view, cover up), equiv. to oc- OC- + -cul-, akin to celare to CONCEAL + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 2. metaphysical, supernatural. 3. concealed, unrevealed; veiled, shrouded; mystical, cabalistic.