n.
Pronunciation: ' ba-z ə l, ' b ā -, -s ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French basile, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from neuter of basilikos
Date: 15th century
1 : any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum ) of the mint family especially : SWEET BASIL
2 : the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning