basilisk

[ bas-uh-lisk, baz- ]

/ ˈbæs ə lɪsk, ˈbæz- /

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noun

Classical Mythology. a creature, variously described as a serpent, lizard, or dragon, said to kill by its breath or look.

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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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

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

basilic, basilica, basilican, Basilicata, basilic vein, basilisk, Basilius, basil thyme, basin, basinet, basing point

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use basilisk in a sentence

AmazonThe Basilisk by Razer Basilisk v2 gaming mouse has a sensor that is out of this world.
Best gaming mouse: What to look for when buying this accessory|Carsen Joenk|November 22, 2021|Popular-Science
Unlike the Basilisk V3, the Razer Huntsman V2 doesn’t come with a price drop.
Razer Huntsman V2 Gaming Keyboard Review|Mike Epstein|September 27, 2021|Popular-Science
Without any notable innovation, the Basilisk V3 isn’t going to convince anyone to move on from their old mouse, but it also maintains the Basilisk’s reputation as one of the most compelling mouse brands.
Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse review: Another day, another Basilisk|Mike Epstein|September 9, 2021|Popular-Science
Just ask any of the ladies who have been privileged enough to enter my "chamber of secrets" and "meet my basilisk."
Voldemort Tweets to Live On|Lord Voldemort|July 14, 2011|DAILY BEAST

A basilisk, a sword, and a phoenix mean only one thing for Harry Potter: an excursion into the mysterious chamber.
15 Key Moments From the Harry Potter Movies|Alex Berg|July 14, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Kayani sat in basilisk silence during the parliamentary session.
Our Pakistan Problem Manages to Get Worse|John Barry|May 15, 2011|DAILY BEAST
No sooner does Hermione discover that the creature is a basilisk when Ginny Weasley, Ron's little sister, goes missing.
Catch Up on Harry Potter: Watch 13 Key Moments|Alex Berg|November 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST
But as I did so the head turned, and the eyes fell full upon me, with all their blaze of basilisk horror.
Dracula|Bram Stoker
It was close by that the blessed Sirus "drew out the dreadful serpent named Basilisk in the year 550."
Florence and Northern Tuscany with Genoa|Edward Hutton
He stared at the open letter as if it possessed the eyes of a basilisk.
The Diamond Coterie|Lawrence L. Lynch
And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the basilisk's den.
The Common Sense of Socialism|John Spargo
Captain Cavendish tried to look about him, which he had not ventured to do before, under those basilisk eyes.
A Changed Heart|May Agnes Fleming

British Dictionary definitions for basilisk

basilisk

/ (ˈbæzɪˌlɪsk) /

noun

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

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

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

Word Origin for basilisk

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

basilisk

Origin of basilisk

OTHER WORDS FROM basilisk

Words nearby basilisk

Words related to basilisk

How to use basilisk in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for basilisk

Word Origin for basilisk