basil

¹

[ baz-uhl, bas-, bey-zuhl, -suhl ]

noun

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Ocimum, of the mint family: prized for its savory green leaves, sweet basil (O. basilicum) has more than 150 culinary cultivars, including the tiny-leafed bush basil, the large-leafed mammoth basil, and the purple-leafed dark opal basil.

Basil

²

[ baz-uhl, bas-, bey-zuhl, -suhl ]

noun

1. Saint. Also the Great, a.d. 329?–379, bishop of Caesarea in Asia Minor (brother of Saint Gregory of Nyssa).
2. a first name: from a Greek word meaning “royal.”

Basil

¹

/ ˈbæzəl /

noun

1. Basil, Saint?329379MGreekMISC: patriarchRELIGION: saint Saint , called the Great , ?329–379 ad , Greek patriarch: an opponent of Arianism and one of the founders of monasticism. Feast day: Jan 2, June 14, or Jan 1

basil

²

/ ˈbæzəl /

noun

1. Also calledsweet basil a Eurasian plant, Ocimum basilicum , having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves used as herbs for seasoning: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
2. Also calledwild basil a European plant, Satureja vulgaris (or Clinopodium vulgare ), with dense clusters of small pink or whitish flowers: family Lamiaceae
3. basil-thyme
   a European plant, Acinos arvensis , having clusters of small violet-and-white flowers: family Lamiaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of basil¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English basile, from Middle French, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikón, neuter of basilikós “royal”; basilic

Word History and Origins

Origin of basil¹

C15: from Old French basile , from Late Latin basilicum , from Greek basilikon , from basilikos royal, from basileus king

Example Sentences

The hospital has admitted 400 casualties of Israeli strikes since Monday - all civilians - according to Dr Basil Abdallah, the medical director.

From BBC

Two other brothers - Basil and Chamal - rose to the jobs of finance minister and parliamentary speaker respectively.

From BBC

His grandson Basil Fulgoni, who has run the operation in recent years, quoted "high overheads" as the reason behind the "inevitable" decision to shut.

From BBC

It's certainly no match for Red Square, with the breathtaking onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin.

From BBC

It also featured Northern Ireland's prime minister, Sir Basil Brooke, appealing to workers that they redouble their efforts "to supply all the munitions and equipment that will be needed until the day of triumph dawns".

From BBC