Oracle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /É’rÉ™kÉ™l/

Origin

From Old French oracle.

Full definition of oracle

Noun

1. A shrine dedicated to some prophetic deity.
• MiltonThe oracles are dumb;
  No voice or hideous hum
  Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving.
2. A person such as a priest through whom the deity is supposed to respond with prophecy or advice.
3. A prophetic response, often enigmatic or allegorical, so given.
• DraytonWhatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand.
4. A person considered to be a source of wisdom.a literary oracle
• MacaulayThe country rectors ... thought him an oracle on points of learning.
• Tennysonoracles of mode
5. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.
6. One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet.
• MiltonGod hath now sent his living oracle
  Into the world to teach his final will.
7. (computing theory) A theoretical entity capable of answering some collection of questions.
8. (Jewish antiquity) The sanctuary, or most holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself.
• MiltonSiloa's brook, that flow'd
  Fast by the oracle of God.

Derived terms

• oracle machine

Synonyms

• (priest acting as conduit of prophecy) prophet
• (person who is a source of wisdom) expert

Verb

1. (obsolete) To utter oracles or prophecies.

Anagrams

• Carole, coaler