basil
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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
See Origin of BASIL
Middle French basile, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from neuter of basilikos
First Known Use: 15th century
Bas·il
biographical name \ˈbā-zəl, ˈba-, -səl\Definition of BASIL
Saint ca 329–379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea
Variants of BASIL
Bas·il or Ba·sil·i·us \bə-ˈsi-lē-əs, -ˈzi-\
Rhymes with BASIL
basil
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Herb consisting of the dried leaves of Ocimum basilicum, an annual herb of the mint family, native to India and Iran. The dried large-leaf varieties have a fragrant aroma faintly reminiscent of anise, with a warm, sweet, aromatic, mildly pungent flavour. The dried leaves of common basil are less fragrant and more pungent. Basil is widely grown as a kitchen herb. Tea made from basil leaves is a stimulant. The heart-shaped basil leaf is a symbol of love in Italy.
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