adj. 1. Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural or magical influences, agencies, or occurrences: occult astrological powers. 3. Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable: The causes of those phenomena remain occult. 4. Hidden from view; concealed: "Hatchlings and juveniles ... keep to this occult place through all the seasons" (David M. Carroll). 5. a. Medicine Detectable only by microscopic examination or chemical analysis, as a minute blood sample. b. Not accompanied by readily detectable signs or symptoms: occult carcinoma. n. Occult practices or techniques: a student of the occult. v. (ə-kŭlt) oc·cult·ed, oc·cult·ing, oc·cults v.tr. 1. To conceal or cause to disappear from view. 2. Astronomy To conceal by occultation: The moon occulted Mars. v.intr. To become concealed or extinguished at regular intervals: a lighthouse beacon that occults every 45 seconds. [Latin occultus, secret, past participle of occulere, to cover over; see kel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] oc·cultly adv. oc·cultness n. |
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