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

1 capitalized : the festival of Saturn in ancient Rome beginning on December 17
2 singular, 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