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

Some hollies are really tiny; Ilex ‘Rock Garden,’ growing to about a foot high, is perfect for containers.

From Seattle Times

The center of a leaf of Ilex aquifolium ‘Golden Milkboy’ is bright golden yellow trimmed in dark green; I. aquifolium ‘Silver Milkmaid’ is stunning, with silvery white and green leaves and an abundance of scarlet berries.

From Seattle Times

Ilex Studio, in London, is best known for creating glass containers designed to encourage avocado pits and acorns to sprout.

From New York Times

Samples from the spheres revealed embryos of the species Ilex coindetii at different stages of development.

From Scientific American

One commercial lab operated by the biotech company Ilex Medical has since been using this combinatorial pooling approach to reduce the need for individual retesting.

From Salon