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basil

Pronunciation: /ˈbaz(ə)l, -zɪl/

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Definition of basil

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1an aromatic plant of the mint family, native to tropical Asia. The leaves are used as a culinary herb, especially in Mediterranean dishes: garnish the baked pizza with fresh basil [as modifier]:basil sauce
    • Genus Ocimum, family Labiatae: several species, in particular the annual sweet basil (O. basilicum)
  • 2 (also wild basil) a European plant which grows in hedges and scrub.
    • Clinopodium vulgare, family Labiatae

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French basile, via medieval Latin from Greek basilikon, neuter of basilikos 'royal' (see basilica)

basil in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of basil in the US English dictionary

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