basilic

basil (herb)

noun bah-zee-LEEK Rare

Origin: Greek basilikon (royal plant)

Also means

basilisk (mythical creature)

Usage Note

Basilic as an herb is indispensable in Provençal cooking, above all in pesto and tapenade. Note that basilic also means a basilisk (the legendary reptile) — context disambiguates. The word is masculine; do not confuse it with basilique (f), which means a basilica church.

Examples

"Ajoute du basilic frais à la sauce."

Natural Translation

Add fresh basil to the sauce.

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