enigma

/i-ˈnig-mə/

Latin aenigma, from Greek ainigmat-, ainigma, from ainissesthai to speak in riddles, from ainos fable

noun

  1. something hard to understand or explain

  2. an inscrutable or mysterious person

  3. an obscure speech or writing

mystery problem enigma riddle puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes. mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation. problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.