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basil definition

basil (bā′zəl, baz′əl)

noun

any of a genus (Ocimum) of fragrant plants of the mint family, esp. a white-flowered garden herb (O. basilicum) whose leaves are used for flavoring in cooking

Etymology: ME & OFr basile < ML basilicum < Gr basilikon (phyton), basil, lit., royal (plant) < basileus, king

Basil1 definition

Basil (bā′zəl, baz′əl)

noun

a masculine name

Etymology: L Basilius < Gr Basileios, lit., kingly < basileus, king

Basil2 definition

Basil (bā′zəl, baz′əl)

Basil, Saint ( 330?-379); Gr. prelate, born in Cappadocia: bishop of Caesarea: his day is Jan. 2: called the Great

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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