: not known or not well-known
also
: having an unknown value
an unknown quantity
1
: one that is not known or not well-known
especially
: a person who is little known (as to the public)
2
: something that requires discovery, identification, or clarification: such as
a
: a symbol (such as x, y, or z) in a mathematical equation representing an unknown quantity
b
: a specimen (as of bacteria or mixed chemicals) required to be identified as an exercise in appropriate laboratory techniques
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unknown. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.
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