ˌakwəˌfōlēˈāsēˌē noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Aquifolium, type genus (from Latin, holly tree, from aqui- — from acer sharp — + folium leaf) + -aceae — more at edge , blade
: a family of widely distributed shrubs and trees (order Sapindales) having alternate simple often evergreen leaves, small dioecious flowers usually in axillary clusters, and berrylike drupes — see ilex
• aq·ui·fo·li·a·ceous | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|āshəs adjective