basilisk

American  

[bas-uh-lisk, baz-] / ˈbæs ə lɪsk, ˈbæz- /

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.

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basilisk British  

/ 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

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

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Other Word Forms

• basiliscan adjective
• basiliscine adjective

Etymology

Origin of basilisk

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

Example Sentences

He bought chicken eggs, painted them with dots, and sold them to a city official as basilisk eggs.

From Literature

But as I did so the head turned, and the eyes fell full upon me, with all their blaze of basilisk horror.

From Literature

Much harder to lay one’s hands on a wild bull, a basilisk or a wolf.

From Literature

Other animals, such as the modern green basilisk lizard, have tall, paddle-like tails that function more as social and sexual billboards than as swimming structures.

From National Geographic

The catoblepas and, more famously, the basilisk, both described by Pliny the Elder, could kill with the single glance.

From Scientific American