How to pronounce basilisk
American English pronunciation
BAS-uh-lisk
- IPA
- /ˈbæsəlɪsk/
- Syllables
- BAS · uh · lisk (3 syllables, stress on the 1st)
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What basilisk means
A serpent of legend whose gaze was said to be deadly
In a sentence: In the fairy tale, the hero used a mirror so she would never meet the basilisk's eyes.
Where it comes from: It comes from a Greek word built on "basileus," meaning king. It was possibly based on cobras, which have crown-like marks on their heads.
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Another meaning
A lizard that can run across water on its hind legs
In a sentence: The startled basilisk dashed across the pond on its back legs without sinking.
Where it comes from: It comes from a Greek word meaning little king. The lizard was named after the serpent of legend.
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