Main Entry: ba·sil·i·ca

Pronunciation: \bə-ˈsi-li-kə also -ˈzi-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin, from Greek basilikē, from feminine of basilikos royal, from basileus king

Date: 1541

1 : an oblong building ending in a semicircular apse used in ancient Rome especially for a court of justice and place of public assembly
2 : an early Christian church building consisting of nave and aisles with clerestory and a large high transept from which an apse projects
3 : a Roman Catholic church given ceremonial privileges

— ba·sil·i·can \-kən\ adjective