Main Entry: foun·da·tion

Pronunciation: \fau̇n-ˈdā-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 : the act of founding
2 : a basis (as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported <the foundations of geometry> <the rumor is without foundation in fact>
3 a : funds given for the permanent support of an institution : endowment b : an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance
4 : an underlying base or support; especially : the whole masonry substructure of a building
5 a : a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid b : a woman's supporting undergarment : corset c : a cosmetic usually used as a base for makeup

— foun·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— foun·da·tion·al·ly adverb

— foun·da·tion·less \-shən-ləs\ adjective