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

Even though numerous other animals do it—from fishing spiders to basilisk lizards—a caterpillar’s half-dozen feet and other protrusions seem better suited to inching up tree branches.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 23, 2021

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

From Scientific American • Dec. 29, 2020

Mr. Musk laughed, agreeing, “Rococo basilisk is no joke!”

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2020

The shelter is temporarily housing some of the animals, including 45 birds, 49 rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, a chinchilla and a brown basilisk.

From Washington Times • May 31, 2017

Daniel wasn’t a basilisk, didn’t have the right kind of webbed feet, definitely didn’t have a neck ruffle thing.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness