Definition of "esoteric" []

• Intended for or understood by only a particular group: an esoteric cult. See Synonyms at mysterious. (adjective)
• Of or relating to that which is known by a restricted number of people. (adjective)
• Confined to a small group: esoteric interests. (adjective)
• Not publicly disclosed; confidential. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• ""During the credit crisis the word 'esoteric' became associated with deals that were too complex for investors to understand," Mr. Wishengrad said."
• "The only place one may find them is in esoteric and occult histories and their own works spread across at least seven generations."
• "Those of us Straussians would call it esoteric writing, which is necessary to varying degrees at all times because every regime has its own particular idols."