First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
basis
noun ba·sis \ˈbā-səs\
: something (such as an idea or set of ideas) from which another thing develops or can develop
: a reason for doing something
: a fixed pattern or system for doing something
plural ba·ses \-ˌsēz\
Full Definition of BASIS
1
: the bottom of something considered as its foundation
2
: the principal component of something
3
a : something on which something else is established or based b : an underlying condition or state of affairs <hired on a trial basis> <on a first-name basis>
4
: the basic principle
5
: a set of linearly independent vectors in a vector space such that any vector in the vector space can be expressed as a linear combination of them with appropriately chosen coefficients
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Origin of BASIS
Latin — more at base
Related to BASIS
- Synonyms
- base, bedrock, bottom, cornerstone, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, root, underpinning, warp, warp and woof
Rhymes with BASIS
BASIS Defined for Kids
basis
noun ba·sis \ˈbā-səs\
plural ba·ses \-ˌsēz\
Definition of BASIS for Kids
: something on which another thing is based or established : foundation <The story has its basis in fact.>
Medical Dictionary
basis
noun ba·sis \ˈbā-səs\
plural ba·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of BASIS
1
: any of various anatomical parts that function as a foundation
2
: base 2b
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