Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The science of enigmas and their solution.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun the study of puzzles

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Latin aenigmata (“enigmas”) + -ology (“study”)

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Examples

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  • The investigation or analysis of enigmas. Also, the art and science of puzzle construction.

    May 12, 2008

  • “Before joining The Times, Mr. Shortz was the editor of Games magazine. He holds the world's only college degree in enigmatology, the study of puzzles, which he earned in the Individualized Major Program at Indiana University in 1974.”

    The New York Times, Talk to The Times: Crossword Editor Will Shortz, July 19, 2009

    April 26, 2011

  • Max Cannon, the linguist and cartoonist who creates "Read Meat", once told me that if he were ever trapped in an elevator with someone, he'd want that someone to be Will Shortz.

    April 26, 2011

  • Are you therefore starting the Who Would We Want To Be Trapped In A Lift With list?

    April 26, 2011

  • Ooh, that's a great idea! Anyone?

    *waits*

    April 26, 2011

  • I nominate reesetee.

    April 26, 2011

  • I'm game! *scurries off*

    April 26, 2011

  • Here it is.

    April 26, 2011