Main Entry: ba·sil

Pronunciation: \ˈba-zəl, ˈbā-, -səl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French basile, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from neuter of basilikos

Date: 15th century

1 : any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum) of the mint family; especially : sweet basil
2 : the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning