obscure definition

"A Formal Description of the Specification Language OBSCURE", J. Loeckx, TR A85/15, U Saarlandes, Saarbrucken, 1985.

(01 Jul )

1. Covered over, shaded, or darkened; destitute of light; imperfectly illuminated; dusky; dim. "His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness." (Prov. Xx. 20)

2. Of or pertaining to darkness or night; inconspicuous to the sight; indistinctly seen; hidden; retired; remote from observation; unnoticed. "The obscure bird Clamored the livelong night." (Shak) "The obscure corners of the earth." (Sir J. Davies)

3. Not noticeable; humble; mean. "O base and obscure vulgar." . "An obscure person."

4. Not easily understood; not clear or legible; abstruse or blind; as, an obscure passage or inscription.

5. Not clear, full, or distinct; clouded; imperfect; as, an obscure view of remote objects.

<optics> Obscure rays, those rays which are not luminous or visible, and which in the spectrum are beyond the limits of the visible portion.

Synonyms: Dark, dim, darksome, dusky, shadowy, misty, abstruse, intricate, difficult, mysterious, retired, unnoticed, unknown, humble, mean, indistinct.

Origin: L. Obscurus, orig, covered; ob- (see Ob-) + a root probably meaning, to cover; cf. L. Scutum shield, Skr. Sku to cover: cf.F. Obscur. Cf.Sky.