ilex

¹

[ahy-leks]

noun

1. any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex.

2. a holly.

ilex

²

[ahy-leks]

noun

1. holm oak.

ilex

/ ˈaɪlɛks /

noun

1. any of various trees or shrubs of the widely distributed genus Ilex, such as the holly and inkberry: family Aquifoliaceae

2. another name for the holm oak

Word History and Origins

Origin of ilex¹

1555–65; < New Latin, Latin īlex ilex ¹

Origin of ilex²

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of ilex¹

C16: from Latin

Example Sentences

Some hollies are really tiny; Ilex ‘Rock Garden,’ growing to about a foot high, is perfect for containers.

Read more on Seattle Times

The center of a leaf of Ilex aquifolium ‘Golden Milkboy’ is bright golden yellow trimmed in dark green; I. aquifolium ‘Silver Milkmaid’ is stunning, with silvery white and green leaves and an abundance of scarlet berries.

Read more on Seattle Times

Ilex Studio, in London, is best known for creating glass containers designed to encourage avocado pits and acorns to sprout.

Read more on New York Times

Samples from the spheres revealed embryos of the species Ilex coindetii at different stages of development.

Read more on Scientific American

One commercial lab operated by the biotech company Ilex Medical has since been using this combinatorial pooling approach to reduce the need for individual retesting.

Read more on Salon