Basil is a strong-smelling and strong-tasting herb that is used in cooking, especially with tomatoes.
basil in British English
(ˈbæzəl)
noun
1. 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. Also called: wild basil
a European plant, Satureja vulgaris (or Clinopodium vulgare), with dense clusters of small pink or whitish flowers: family Lamiaceae
Word origin
C15: from Old French basile, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from basilikos royal, from basileus king
Basil in British English
(ˈbæzəl)
noun
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
Basil in American English1
(ˈbeɪzəl; ˈbæzəl)
noun
a masculine name
Word origin
L Basilius < Gr Basileios, lit., kingly < basileus, king
Basil in American English2
(ˈbeɪzəl; ˈbæzəl)
Saint( a.d. 330?-379); Gr. prelate, born in Cappadocia: bishop of Caesarea: his day is Jan. 2: called the Great
basil in American English
(ˈbeɪzəl; ˈbæzəl)
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
Word origin
ME & OFr basile < ML basilicum < Gr basilikon (phyton), basil, lit., royal (plant) < basileus, king