basal

bas·al

adj \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

Examples of BASAL

1. <she clearly lacked even a basal familiarity with the topic>

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

Related Words: primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms: complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

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Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate