Main Entry:

¹ba·sic

Pronunciation:

\ˈbā-sik also -zik\

Function:

adjective

Date:

1842

1 a: of, relating to, or forming the base or essence : fundamental <basic truths> b: concerned with fundamental scientific principles : not applied <basic research>2: constituting or serving as the basis or starting point <a basic set of tools>3 a: of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base b: having an alkaline reaction4: containing relatively little silica <basic rocks>5: relating to, made by, used in, or being a process of making steel done in a furnace lined with basic material and under basic slag

— ba·sic·i·ty \bā-ˈsi-sə-tē\ noun