SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

Basiliscus

noun
Save Word
Bas·​i·​lis·​cus | \ ˌbasəˈliskəs, -azə- \

Definition of Basiliscus

: a genus of active carnivorous lizards (family Iguanidae) that have rising above the occiput a membranous pouch which can be inflated with air and along the back a movable crest which can be raised or lowered at will — see basilisk sense 3

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Basiliscus

New Latin, from Latin, basilisk

Learn More About Basiliscus

Dictionary Entries Near Basiliscus

Basilidian

Basiliscus

basilisk

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for Basiliscus

Cite this Entry

“Basiliscus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Basiliscus. Accessed 4 Jul. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

Yankee

Listen to the pronunciation of Yankee

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name That Food

  • a-light
  • Name these cookies!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games