Definition of "obscurant" [ob•scur•ant]

• One who opposes intellectual advancement and political reform. (noun)
• Characterized by opposition to intellectual advancement and political reform. (adjective)
• Tending to make obscure: an obscurant bank of clouds. (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.

• "Israel appeared to be using white phosphorus as an "obscurant" (a chemical used to hide military operations), a permissible use in principle under international humanitarian law (the laws of war)."
• "International law does not outlaw white phosphorus, an "obscurant" used to create smoke screens to cover troop movements of illuminated targets, but human rights groups have said that its use could be illegal in civilian areas if "all feasible precautions" are not taken."
• "Israel appears to be using WP as an "obscurant" (a chemical used to hide military operations),"