basal

adjective bas·al \ˈbā-səl, -zəl\

Definition of BASAL

a : relating to, situated at, or forming the base

b : arising from the base of a stem <basal leaves>

a : of or relating to the foundation, base, or essence : fundamental

b : of, relating to, or being essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism : minimal <a basal diet>

c : used for teaching beginners <basal readers>

— ba·sal·ly adverb

See basal defined for kids

First Known Use of BASAL

1645

Related to BASAL

Synonyms: abecedarian, elementary, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying

Antonyms: advanced

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

Medical Dictionary

basal

adjective ba·sal \ˈbā-səl, -zəl\

Medical Definition of BASAL

: relating to, situated at, or forming the base

: of, relating to, or essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism (as respiration, heartbeat, or excretion) <a basal diet>—see basal metabolism

: serving as or serving to induce an initial comatose or unconscious state that forms a basis for further anesthetization <basal narcosis> <a basal anesthetic>

—ba·sal·ly \-ē\ adverb