basilisk

[ bas-uh-lisk, baz- ]
/ ˈbæs ə lɪsk, ˈbæz- /

noun

Classical Mythology. a creature, variously described as a serpent, lizard, or dragon, said to kill by its breath or look.
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.

Origin of basilisk

1250–1300; Middle English < Latin basiliscus < Greek basilískos princeling, basilisk, equivalent to basil(eús) king + -iskos diminutive suffix; allegedly so named from a crownlike white spot on its head

OTHER WORDS FROM basilisk

bas·i·lis·cine [bas-uh-lis-in, -ahyn, baz-] /ˌbæs əˈlɪs ɪn, -aɪn, ˌbæz-/, bas·i·lis·can, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for basilisk

British Dictionary definitions for basilisk

basilisk
/ (ˈbæzɪˌlɪsk) /

noun

(in classical legend) a serpent that could kill by its breath or glance
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
a 16th-century medium cannon, usually made of brass

Word Origin for basilisk

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