Etymology of the English word arcane
the English word
arcanederived from the Latin word
arcanus (confidant, trustworthy friend, keeper of secrets; secret, private, hidden)
derived from the Latin word
arca (ark; Ark of the Covenant; box, chest; strong-box; quadrangular landmark for surveyors)
derived from the Latin word
arcus (bow; bow, arc, coil)
derived from the Latin word
arcere (keep away, protect; ward, keep off, away)
using the Latin suffix
-anaderived from the Latin suffix
-anusDate
The earliest known usage of arcane in English dates from the 16th century.
Usage
Word found in Modern English
