Basilic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈbæsɪlɪk/

Definitions

1. A large superficial vein on the inner side of the arm that drains blood from the hand and forearm ; related to or characteristic of a basilica, a large and important church building
2. A prominent vein running along the inner arm that collects blood from smaller veins ; pertaining to basilicas, which are notable Christian church structures often featuring specific architectural elements
3. One of the main veins located on the arm’s inner surface that serves as a common site for intravenous access ; associated with basilicas, indicating something connected to or resembling this kind of grand church architecture

Etymology: The adjective "basilic" comes from the Greek "basilikos," meaning "royal" or "kingly," from "basileus," king. The same Greek root gave the Greek word for a basilica, the hall where a king or magistrate held court, and later the great churches built on that model. The word passed into Latin and then French, and English took its ending from the French form, so the adjective describes anything belonging to a basilica. The vein name follows a different path. Anatomists applied the adjective to the large superficial vein of the arm, a striking choice for a vessel that carries blood from the hand and forearm. The word is a doublet of "basil," the herb, which descends from the same Greek word, since basil was once considered fit for kings. The two words separated over centuries of use in different senses.

Synonyms: basilical, royal, majestic, grand, noble

Antonyms: ordinary, common, humble, simple, mediocre