˜yÐÄvlog

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View synonyms for

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

/ ˈ²úæ³úɪˌ±ôɪ²õ°ì /

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
“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
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Other ˜yÐÄvlog Forms

  • ²ú²¹²õ·¾±Â·±ô¾±²õ·³¦¾±²Ô±ð [bas-, uh, -, lis, -in, -ahyn, baz-], ²ú²¹²õi·±ô¾±²õc²¹²Ô adjective
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of basilisk1

1250–1300; Middle English < Latin basiliscus < Greek ²ú²¹²õ¾±±ôí²õ°ì´Ç²õ princeling, basilisk, equivalent to basil ( ±ðú²õ ) king + -iskos diminutive suffix; allegedly so named from a crownlike white spot on its head
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of basilisk1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

From

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

From

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

From

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

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

From

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