basil

/ˈbeɪzɪl/

/ˈbæzəl/

Other forms: basils

Basil is a strongly scented herb. Basil is commonly used on pizza, in spaghetti sauce, and in pesto.

When you grow basil in an herb garden, you can pinch off the glossy, deep green leaves and use them for cooking. Basil is native to India, but it was introduced to other regions around the world so long ago that it's a basic ingredient in traditional Italian and Thai dishes, among others. The root of basil is the Greek basilikon, "royal plant," from basileus, "king."

Definitions of basil

1. noun

   leaves of the common basil; used fresh or dried
   synonyms: sweet basil

   type of:

   herb

   aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities
2. noun

   any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum
   types:

   Ocimum basilicum, common basil, sweet basil

   annual or perennial of tropical Asia having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves; one of the most important culinary herbs; used in salads, casseroles, sauces and some liqueurs

   type of:

   herb, herbaceous plant

   a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests