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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
Origin: ME & OFr basile < ML basilicum < Gr basilikon (phyton), basil, lit., royal (plant) < basileus, king
noun
a masculine name
Origin: L Basilius < Gr Basileios, lit., kingly < basileus, king
Basil,
Saint ( 330?-379); Gr. prelate, born in Cappadocia: bishop of Caesarea: his day is Jan. 2: called the Great
See basil in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- a. An Old World aromatic annual herb (Ocimum basilicum) in the mint family, cultivated for its leaves. Also called sweet basil.b. The leaves of this plant used as a seasoning.
- Any of various plants in the genus Ocimum, native to warm regions, having aromatic foliage and terminal clusters of small, usually white flowers.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English
Origin: , from Old French basile
Origin: , from Medieval Latin basilicum
Origin: , from Greek basilikon
Origin: , from
Origin: neuter of basilikos, royal; see basilica
.
Greek Christian leader who was bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia after A.D. 370 and a vigorous opponent of Arianism.
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