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adj. 1. a. Intended for or understood by only a small group, especially one with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric philosophical doctrine. See Synonyms at mysterious. b. Relating to or being a small group with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric circle. 2. Not known by or suitable for the public; private: Few understood the celebrity's esoteric side. n. 1. One that is esoteric. 2. esoterics Esoteric matters; esoterica: "The course ... is anything but an exercise in ivory tower esoterics" (Sharon Waxman). [Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, comparative of esō, within; see en in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] es′o·teri·cal·ly adv. |
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