Enigmata

/ɛnɪɡˈmeɪtə/ noun

Definition

An alternative plural form of enigma (the standard plural is enigmas), used in more formal or classical contexts.

Etymology

From Latin and Greek plural forms of enigma. This Latinate plural is less common in modern English but appears in academic and classical texts.

Kelly Says

English has this weird habit of borrowing both the Greek and Latin plurals of the same word—'enigmas' versus 'enigmata'—like how we say both 'cactuses' and 'cacti.' The book plural form sounds fancier but means exactly the same thing.

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