enigma /(ē̇*nĭg"mȧ)/

e·nig·ma

enigma

n.

pl. enigmas ((ē̇*nĭg"mȧz))

  1. A dark, obscure, or inexplicable saying; a riddle; a statement, the hidden meaning of which is to be discovered or guessed.
    A custom was among the ancients of proposing an enigma at festivals.
  2. An action, mode of action, or thing, which cannot be satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an enigma.