Enigma
A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand; a puzzle.
nounEnigma
A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand; a puzzle.
nounImagine This
It still remains a brain-twister on who is the mother (or inventor) of engines. A curious young lad was puzzled about what was inside an egg, so he asked his mother to crack it open for him to see.
Sounds Like
ih-NIG-muh
Looks Like
engine + ma (mother) (visual hint: the word resembles 'engine' with the suffix 'ma' for 'mother')
Remember This
Origin: Greek ainigma 'a riddle'; the term is used to describe something mysterious or puzzling. The Enigma machine (WWII cipher device) shares the same name and association with mystery.
Other Forms
Connect With
mystery, puzzle, riddle, conundrum, paradox
Note
Enigma refers to mystery or puzzling quality and is not used for straightforward facts. Do not confuse with synonyms like 'mystery' in a different nuance; use 'enigma' for something particularly puzzling.