Dictionary
basal
adjective bas·al \ˈbā-səl, -zəl\
Definition of BASAL
1
a : relating to, situated at, or forming the base b : arising from the base of a stem <basal leaves>
2
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
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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
Medical Dictionary
basal
adjective 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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