Eleusinian

American  

[el-yoo-sin-ee-uhn] / ˌɛl yʊˈsɪn i ən /

adjective

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

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Eleusis.

Etymology

Origin of Eleusinian

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 • Oct. 14, 2024

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 • May 4, 2022

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2021

It was sound as séance, Eleusinian hallucinations of watching Jerry Garcia back Pharoah Sanders, kicking stardust grooves snatched from primordial savanna rituals.

From Washington Post • Jul. 22, 2021

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

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton