I. hə̇ˈla(a)rēə, hīˈ- noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Latin, from neuter plural of hilaris
: an imperial Roman festival of the cult of Cybele held on the vernal equinox to celebrate the renewal of life on earth in the spring symbolized by the resurrection of the god Attis
II. noun
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, irregular from Auguste de Saint- Hilaire died 1853 French botanist + New Latin -ia
: a small genus of grasses of the southwestern United States and Mexico having a terminal spike with the spikelets in threes — see curly mesquite