basilisk

A noun referring to a mythical serpent or lizard from classical lore, said to be able to kill with its breath or glance; also used for a type of ancient brass cannon, and a small crested arboreal lizard from tropical America that can run on its hind legs.

• 🇷🇺Существительное, обозначающее мифического змея или ящерицу из классических преданий, способного убивать своим дыханием или взглядом; также используется для обозначения типа древней медной пушки и небольшой хохлатой древесной ящерицы из тропической Америки, способной бегать на задних лапах.

1. Mythological creature C1 formal

   A legendary reptile, often called a serpent or lizard, said to be able to cause death with its breath or a single glance.

   • In ancient myths, the basilisk could kill anyone who looked into its eyes.
   • The hero had to use a mirror to defeat the basilisk.
   • Legends describe the basilisk as a king of serpents.

   🇷🇺Василиск

   Synonyms: cockatrice

2. Historical cannon C2 formal

   A large, early type of brass cannon used in warfare during the 16th and 17th centuries.

   • The fortress was defended by several basilisks.
   • Artillerymen loaded the basilisk with heavy stone balls.
   • The museum displayed a restored basilisk from the Renaissance period.

   🇷🇺Василиск (пушка)

3. Lizard species B2 formal

   A type of lizard found in tropical regions of Central and South America, known for its ability to run on its hind legs across water.

   • The basilisk lizard can run across the surface of a pond.
   • We spotted a green basilisk sunning itself on a branch.
   • These basilisks have a distinctive crest on their heads.

   🇷🇺Василиск

• basilisks plural form
• basilisks' possessive plural form
• basilisk's possessive singular form