a town of Sicily, province of Catania, stands at the foot of Mount Etna, 10 miles N.W. of Catania. It is a very ancient place; and contains numerous convents and churches. The surrounding country is fertile, producing corn, oil, wine, flax, hemp, and timber; in which articles an active trade is carried on. In the vicinity of the town are mineral springs and a salt mine. Paterno gives the title of Prince to one of the principal families of Sicily. Numerous vestiges of antiquity have been discovered here; among others, the remains of baths, a tomb, an aqueduct, and a ruined bridge. The town is supposed to occupy the site of the ancient Hybla Major. Pop. 10,700.