ilex

¹

[ ahy-leks ]

noun

1. holm oak.

ilex

²

[ ahy-leks ]

noun

1. any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex.
2. a holly.

ilex

/ ˈaɪlɛks /

noun

1. any of various trees or shrubs of the widely distributed genus Ilex, such as the holly and inkberry: family Aquifoliaceae
2. another name for the holm oak

Word History and Origins

Origin of ilex¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin

Origin of ilex²

1555–65; < New Latin, Latin īlex ilex ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ilex¹

C16: from Latin

Example Sentences

Does not the Sacred Tree of the village of Kerdami—a noble ilex of most unusual size—still command more than reverence?

From Project Gutenberg

I thought of the white flowers that grew in the dark corners of the old garden at the Wern, by the great ilex tree.

From Project Gutenberg

Eik is the ilex or scarlet oak; thyrnir, a thorn; metaphorically for a stag's antlers.

From Project Gutenberg

Moving through the vivid lights and shadows of the ilex and cypress grove, her appearance had a charm of unwonted simplicity.

From Project Gutenberg

In the middle distance, a few ilex and cypress trees were effectively and naturally distributed.

From Project Gutenberg