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Examples of basil in a Sentence
Word History
Middle English basyl, basyle, shortening (perhaps by confusion with Middle French basile "basilisk") of Middle French basilic or its source, Medieval Latin basilicon, borrowed from Greek basilikón (for presumed basilikòn phytón "royal plant"), noun derivative from neuter of basilikós "royal" — more at basilica
Note: The word basilikón as a name for a plant or herb is marginally attested in ancient and early post-classical Greek, the usual word for what is presumed to be Ocimum basilicum in Greek being ṓkimon. The identity of a lákhanon basilikón ("royal herb") in the pseudo-Aristotelian De plantis (2nd century b.c.) is uncertain. The lexicon of Hesychius (5th-6th centuries a.d., incorporating much ancient material) glosses ṓkimon as "fragrant herb, called basilikón" ("botánē euṓdēs, tò legómenon basilikón").
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing basil
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Cite this Entry
“Basil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basil. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
basil
nounBiographical Definition
Basil
biographical name
More from Merriam-Webster on basil
Nglish: Translation of basil for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of basil for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about basil
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