Basilisk: meaning, definitions and examples
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basilisk
[ หbรฆzษชlษชsk ]
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
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:
๐ต๐น basilisco
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเฅเคธเคฟเคฒเคฟเคธเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Basilisk
๐ฎ๐ฉ basilisk
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะฐะทะธะปััะบ
๐ต๐ฑ basilisk
๐ฏ๐ต ใใธใชในใฏ
๐ซ๐ท basilic
๐ช๐ธ basilisco
๐น๐ท basilisk
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฐ์ค๋ฆฌ์คํฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุงุณูููุณู
๐จ๐ฟ baziliลกek
๐ธ๐ฐ baziliลกok
๐จ๐ณ ๅทด่ฅฟๅฉๆฏๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ basilisk
๐ฎ๐ธ basilisk
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะฐะทะธะปะธัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแกแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ basilisk
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.