saturnalia

noun plural but singular or plural in construction sat·ur·na·lia \ˌsa-tər-ˈnāl-yə, -ˈnā-lē-ə\

Definition of SATURNALIA

capitalized : the festival of Saturn in ancient Rome beginning on December 17

singular, plural saturnalias also saturnalia

a : an unrestrained often licentious celebration : orgy

— sat·ur·na·lian \-ˈnāl-yən, -ˈnā-lē-ən\ adjective

— sat·ur·na·lian·ly adverb

Latin, from neuter plural of saturnalis of Saturn, from Saturnus

First Known Use: 1591

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