Eleusinian

[ el-yoo-sin-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Eleusis or to the Eleusinian mysteries.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Eleusis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Eleusinian¹

1635–45; < Latin Eleusini ( us ) < Greek Eleusínios of Eleusis + -an

Example Sentences

The ancient Eleusinian mystery rites practiced for thousands of years throughout the Mediterranean world began in the earlier half of the year for preparation of the latter half.

From Los Angeles Times

Its players spend a considerable portion of their time encouraging their fans to make more noise, whipping them into an ever-increasing Eleusinian frenzy, for that very purpose.

From New York Times

The priestesses of rites known as the Eleusinian Mysteries were called Melissae, which means “bees” in Greek.

From Los Angeles Times

The great temple was at Eleusis, a little town near Athens, and the worship was called the Eleusinian Mysteries.

From Literature

The Eleusinian Mysteries, which were always chiefly Demeter’s, had indeed great importance.

From Literature