Basilisk: meaning, definitions and examples

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basilisk

 

[ หˆbรฆzษชlษชsk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mythical creature

A basilisk is a mythical creature often referred to as the 'king of serpents.' In European legend, it is described as a serpent or dragon that can kill with its gaze or breath. The creature is reputed to have the ability to petrify its victims, turning them into stone. Often depicted as having features of both a serpent and a rooster, the basilisk symbolizes danger and death. Its legend has persisted in literature and popular culture, depicting the basilisk as a fearsome adversary.

Synonyms

dragon, monster, serpent

Examples of usage

  • The heroes faced a basilisk in the dark cave.
  • In the legend, a basilisk was defeated by a brave knight.
  • Many believe that the stare of a basilisk can turn one to stone.

Translations

Translations of the word "basilisk" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น basilisco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‡เคธเคฟเคฒเคฟเคธเฅเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Basilisk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ basilisk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐะทะธะปั–ัะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ basilisk

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใ‚ธใƒชใ‚นใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท basilic

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ basilisco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท basilisk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ”์‹ค๋ฆฌ์Šคํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุงุณูŠู„ูŠุณูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baziliลกek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ baziliลกok

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทด่ฅฟๅˆฉๆ–ฏๅ…‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ basilisk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ basilisk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐะทะธะปะธัะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒ–แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒกแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ basilisk

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ basilisco

Etymology

The word 'basilisk' originates from the Greek word 'basiliskos', which translates to 'little king.' This name likely refers to the creature's regal and commanding presence in mythology. The term evolved through Latin, where it was adopted into the English language around the late 14th century. In ancient texts, the basilisk was often associated with fatality and malevolence, primarily due to its lethal gaze. Often mentioned in medieval bestiaries, the basilisk became a symbol of evil, and its attributes and myths expanded over time. By the Renaissance period, the basilisk was frequently used in literature and was represented in artworks, reflecting not only its fearsome nature but also serving as a warning against evil.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,950 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.