Main Entry:

foun·da·tion

Pronunciation:

\fau̇n-ˈdā-shən\

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1: the act of founding2: 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 maintenance4: an underlying base or support ; especially : the whole masonry substructure of a building5 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