Word | basilisk |
---|---|
Date | February 26, 2009 |
Type | adjective |
Syllables | BASS-uh-lisk |
Etymology | In Hellenic and Roman legend, a basilisk (also called a cockatrice) was a serpent-like creature capable of destroying other creatures by way of its deadly stare. The modern basilisk is a lizard that belongs to the family Iguanidae and supposedly resembles this fabled monster; it has a large, inflatable crest atop its head and is sometimes called a “Jesus Christ lizard” for its ability to run quickly across the surface of water. The use of “basilisk” as an adjective occurs most frequently in phrases such as “basilisk stare”; recalling the notorious gaze of the legendary basilisk, it describes the deep and piercing look of someone who is frightening or seductive. |
Examples | Trina leveled a basilisk glare at me after I told her what had happened to her car. |
Definition | : suggesting a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance : baleful, spellbinding |
Tags: wordoftheday::adjective
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