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
Noun
an aromatic herb used for seasoning food [Greek basilikos royal]
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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