Emily Dickinson Lexicon

problem (-s), n. [ME < Fr. < L. problēma < Gk πρόβλημα, thing thrown or put forward, question propounded for solution, set task, problem < πρό, before + βάλλειν, to throw.] (webplay: fall, gate, solution).

1. Question; riddle; puzzle; mystery; enigma; dilemma; difficulty; task; exercise.
2. Exercise in arithmetic; numerical computation; assignment to solve a mathematical question.
3. [Fig.] complexity of life; difficulty of mortality; task of solving the mystery of life and death.