basil

ba·sil

noun \ˈba-zəl, ˈbā-, -səl\

Definition of BASIL

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

Origin of BASIL

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with BASIL

dazzle, frazzle