Main Entry:

sat·ur·na·lia

Pronunciation:

\ˌsa-tər-ˈnāl-yə, -ˈnā-lē-ə\

Function:

noun plural but singular or plural in construction

Etymology:

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

Date:

1591

1capitalized : the festival of Saturn in ancient Rome beginning on December 172singular, plural saturnalias also saturnalia a: an unrestrained often licentious celebration : orgy b: excess, extravagance

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

— sat·ur·na·lian·ly adverb