Medical Dictionary

basal

adj ba·sal \ˈbā-səl, -zəl\

Medical Definition of BASAL

1
:  relating to, situated at, or forming the base
2
:  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
3
:  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
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