bas·il
Pronunciation: \ˈba-zəl, ˈbā-, -səl\
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
