[baz-uh
l, bas-, bey-zuhl, -suhl] 
| any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Ocimum, of the mint family, as O. basilicum (sweet basil), having purplish-green ovate leaves used in cooking. |
| bas·il (bāz'əl, bā'zəl) n.
[Middle English, from Old French basile, from Medieval Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from neuter of basilikos, royal; see basilica.] |
| sweet basil n. See basil. |