ocult

Ocult is not a standard entry in most English dictionaries. In general usage, it is a misspelling or variant of the word occult, which covers topics related to hidden things and to esoteric or paranormal knowledge. When used correctly, occult (with two c’s) can be an adjective meaning hidden or concealed, as in “occult forces,” or it can refer to the occult tradition of esoteric beliefs and practices. The related noun occult can denote the body of such beliefs or the field of study itself, and occultist describes someone who practices or studies occult arts.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin occultus, meaning hidden or secret, and entered English via Old French occult. The form with double c has been standard in English since the Middle English period. Related terms include occultation, which shares the same root.

Usage notes: The spelling oculta or oculta is not standard in English and appears mainly as a typographical error or in stylized names. Occultation is a distinct term in astronomy for the moment when one celestial body is hidden by another from the observer’s viewpoint. In contemporary writing, use occult to discuss hidden or esoteric topics, or occultation when referring to astronomical concealing events.

See also: Occult, Occultism, Esotericism, Occultation, Esoteric.