An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Something that is or is kept secret, hidden, or concealed; a → mystery.
   

2. Done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): From L. secretus “set apart, withdrawn; hidden, concealed,” p.p. of secernere “to set apart, part, divide; exclude,” from se- “without, apart,” properly “on one’s own” + cernere “to separate,” → crisis.

Etymology (PE): Râz, from Mid.Pers. râz “secret, mystery;” cognate with Mod.Pers. rastan/rah- “to escape, be liberated;” O.Pers. (+*aua-) avarad- “to leave, abandon;” cf. Skt. rah- “to be lost, be lonely,” rahas- “loneliness, privacy; a secret, mystery” (Cheung 2007).