basilisk
1 synonym for basilisk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A mythical snake-like dragon so venomous that even its gaze is deadly.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
basilisk lizard
How to use basilisk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
basilisk stare
basilisk lizard
deadly gaze of the basilisk
legendary basilisk
It is mostly found in mythology, fantasy writing and natural history.
Etymology
The word came through Middle English and Old French from Latin, and before that from a Greek word literally meaning minor king. The name may have been inspired by cobras with crown-like patterns on their heads.
Full origin of basilisk →Frequently asked questions
What is a basilisk?
In mythology a basilisk is a snake-like dragon whose gaze is deadly. The name is also used for a tree-dwelling lizard of the genus Basiliscus.
Where does the word basilisk come from?
It comes through Old French and Latin from Ancient Greek basiliskos, literally a minor king. Middle English took it from Old French.
What is a basilisk lizard?
It is a tree-dwelling lizard of the genus Basiliscus.
