basilisk

[ bas-uh-lisk, baz- ]

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.

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

Other Words From

• bas·i·lis·cine [bas-, uh, -, lis, -in, -ahyn, baz-], basi·liscan adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of basilisk¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of basilisk¹

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

Example Sentences

AmazonThe Basilisk by Razer Basilisk v2 gaming mouse has a sensor that is out of this world.

From Popular-Science

Unlike the Basilisk V3, the Razer Huntsman V2 doesn’t come with a price drop.

From 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.

From Popular-Science

Just ask any of the ladies who have been privileged enough to enter my "chamber of secrets" and "meet my basilisk."

From The Daily Beast

A basilisk, a sword, and a phoenix mean only one thing for Harry Potter: an excursion into the mysterious chamber.

From The Daily Beast

Kayani sat in basilisk silence during the parliamentary session.

From The Daily Beast

No sooner does Hermione discover that the creature is a basilisk when Ginny Weasley, Ron's little sister, goes missing.

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

It was close by that the blessed Sirus "drew out the dreadful serpent named Basilisk in the year 550."

From Project Gutenberg

He stared at the open letter as if it possessed the eyes of a basilisk.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Cavendish tried to look about him, which he had not ventured to do before, under those basilisk eyes.

From Project Gutenberg