noun-modifying (irregular)
indescribable; inexpressible; exquisite
Used prenominally to describe something so wonderful, beautiful, or profound that it cannot be put into words. Often carries a poetic or literary feel.
I was captivated by an indescribable beauty.
The scenery was so wonderful it defied description.
It is usually written in kana. The kanji spelling is acceptable but less common.
Kanji spelling using 得 for え; rare and literary.
From classical Japanese え (adverbial particle meaning 'can') + も (inclusive particle) + 言われぬ (negative potential form of 言う 'to say'), literally 'cannot even be said'. The exact derivation of え is uncertain, but it is related to the potential auxiliary verb 得る (える).