basilar

adjective

bas·​i·​lar ˈba-zə-lər How to pronounce basilar (audio) -sə- How to pronounce basilar (audio)
also
ˈbā- How to pronounce basilar (audio)
: of, relating to, or situated at the base

Examples of basilar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In 2010, Seely, who was a member or the Arizona State University triathlon team when she was diagnosed with Chiari II Malformation, basilar invagination, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which affect her brain, spine, and connective tissues. Madison Thacker, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2021 Earnhardt and the others — Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr, and Tony Roper — all died from basilar skull fractures. Paul Newberry, ajc, 3 Sep. 2021 His family said that in 1978 Dr. Hennessy made Maryland medical history by treating a basilar artery aneurysm using a posterior approach. Jacques Kelly, baltimoresun.com, 3 July 2021 Sicknick had what the medical examiner called acute brainstem and cerebellar infarcts due to acute basilar artery thrombosis -- a specific type of blood clot in the brain. Jen Christensen, CNN, 20 Apr. 2021 One day in 1981, Hubbard found himself with a new, unfortunately personal perspective on basilar skull fractures. Rachel Lance, Wired, 6 Dec. 2020 Since then, as of 2016, the most recent year for which data were found, not one single racing death from basilar skull fracture has occurred. Rachel Lance, Wired, 6 Dec. 2020 Just five years before Hamlin arrived on the scene, Earnhardt was the fourth driver to die of a basilar skull fracture in an eight-month span. Jenna Fryer, The Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2020 Thomas had a stroke May 24, caused by a tear of the basilar artery in the brain stem. David Woods, Indianapolis Star, 7 June 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French basilaire, from base base entry 1 or Latin basis basis + -ilaire, extension of -aire -ary entry 2, after cimbalaire "cymbal-shaped," borrowed from Medieval Latin cymbalāris (from Latin cymbalum cymbal + -āris -ar)

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basilar was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near basilar

Cite this Entry

“Basilar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basilar. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

basilar

adjective
bas·​i·​lar
ˈbaz-(ə-)lər, ˈbas- also ˈbāz- or ˈbās-
: of, relating to, or situated at the base
basilar fractures of the skull
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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