basilisk

[ bas-uh-lisk, baz- ]
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noun
  1. Classical Mythology. a creature, variously described as a serpent, lizard, or dragon, said to kill by its breath or look.

  2. any of several tropical American iguanid lizards of the genus Basiliscus, noted for their ability to run across the surface of water on their hind legs.

Origin of basilisk

1
1250–1300; Middle English <Latin basiliscus<Greek basilískos princeling, basilisk, equivalent to basil(eús) king + -iskos diminutive suffix; allegedly so named from a crownlike white spot on its head

Other words from basilisk

  • bas·i·lis·cine [bas-uh-lis-in, -ahyn, baz-], /ˌbæs əˈlɪs ɪn, -aɪn, ˌbæz-/, bas·i·lis·can, adjective

Words Nearby basilisk

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How to use basilisk in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for basilisk

basilisk

/ (ˈbæzɪˌlɪsk) /


noun
  1. (in classical legend) a serpent that could kill by its breath or glance

  2. any small arboreal semiaquatic lizard of the genus Basiliscus of tropical America: family Iguanidae (iguanas). The males have an inflatable head crest, used in display

  1. a 16th-century medium cannon, usually made of brass

Origin of basilisk

1
C14: from Latin basiliscus, from Greek basiliskos royal child, from basileus king

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012