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

“This last year has been the best year of my life,” she says, sipping a glass of lime and basil infused water.

From Los Angeles Times

As he learned to live with an irregular heartbeat, he found joy in his family’s tiny garden and marveled at all the ladybugs that gathered on the tulsi, a special type of basil.

From Los Angeles Times

Before serving, sprinkle the top with the basil leaves.

From Salon

Some common aromatic herbs have the limited ability to drive off mosquitoes, such as rosemary, garlic, basil, thyme and fennel.

From Los Angeles Times

Specific meal options include tomato basil soup with pasta, teriyaki rice, chicken flavored noodle soup, crunchy granola, vanilla pudding and more.

From Salon