basil

Definition

• n. any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum
• n. (Roman Catholic Church) the bishop of Caesarea who defended the Roman Catholic Church against the heresies of the 4th century; a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-379)
• n. leaves of the common basil; used fresh or dried

Word forms

Plural

basils

Example sentences

1. n.

   I love adding fresh basil to my pasta for extra flavor.

2. n.

   The herbalist recommended basil for its calming properties.