Bas·il (b z  l, bs-, b zl, -sl), Saint. Known as "the Great." a.d. 330?-379? Greek Christian leader who was bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia after a.d. 370 and a vigorous opponent of Arianism. |
| bas·il (bzl, bzl) n. 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. [Middle English, from Old French basile, from Medieval Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from neuter of basilikos, royal; see basilica.] |
basil [ˈbæzəl]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) Also called sweet basil a Eurasian plant, Ocimum basilicum, having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves used as herbs for seasoning: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) Also called wild basil a European plant, Satureja vulgaris (or Clinopodium vulgare), with dense clusters of small pink or whitish flowers: family Lamiaceae
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants)
basil-thyme a European plant, Acinos arvensis, having clusters of small violet-and-white flowers: family Lamiaceae
[from Old French basile, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from basilikos royal, from basileus king]
Basil [ˈbæzəl]
n
(Biographies / Basil, Saint (?329-379) M, Greek, MISC: patriarch, RELIGION: 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
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  basil - any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimumherb, herbaceous plant - a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests genus Ocimum, Ocimum - basil common basil, Ocimum basilicum, sweet basil - annual or perennial of tropical Asia having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves; one of the most important culinary herbs; used in salads, casseroles, sauces and some liqueurs |
| 2. | Basil - (Roman Catholic Church) the bishop of Caesarea who defended the Roman Catholic Church against the heresies of the 4th century; a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-379) Church of Rome, Roman Catholic Church, Roman Church, Western Church, Roman Catholic - the Christian Church based in the Vatican and presided over by a pope and an episcopal hierarchy | |
| 3. | basil - leaves of the common basil; used fresh or dried herb - aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities common basil, Ocimum basilicum, sweet basil - annual or perennial of tropical Asia having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves; one of the most important culinary herbs; used in salads, casseroles, sauces and some liqueurs |
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