basil

(zəl, bazəl)

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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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