Basil (Noun)
Meaning 1
(Roman Catholic Church) the bishop of Caesarea who defended the Roman Catholic Church against the heresies of the 4th century; a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-379).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- Basil of Caesarea played a pivotal role in the development of Christian theology, and his writings on the nature of the Holy Spirit are particularly notable.
- Saint Basil was revered for his bold stance against the Arian heresy that threatened to divide the Roman Catholic Church.
- Basil the Great, as he is often referred to, was instrumental in the Council of Nicaea, where he helped shape the creed that defined the orthodox understanding of Christ's divinity.
- Throughout his episcopacy, Basil proved to be a fierce defender of orthodoxy, relentlessly battling against the proliferation of heresy within the Church.
- The Roman Catholic Church commemorates the feast day of Basil of Caesarea on January 2, alongside fellow saint Gregory of Nazianzus.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Leaves of the common basil; used fresh or dried.
Classification
Nouns denoting foods and drinks.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
Any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The chef added a few leaves of fresh basil to the pasta sauce for extra flavor.
- Basil is a popular herb used in many Italian and Thai dishes.
- She planted a pot of sweet basil on her windowsill to use in her cooking.
- The fragrance of basil wafted through the garden, enticing everyone to come and explore.
- In many Asian cultures, basil is considered a sacred herb with healing properties.