Main Entry: ¹fun·da·men·tal

Pronunciation: \ˌfən-də-ˈmen-t^əl\

Function: adjective

Date: 15th century

1 a : serving as an original or generating source : primary <a discovery fundamental to modern computers> b : serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : basic
2 a : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : radical <fundamental change>; also : of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application <fundamental science> b : adhering to fundamentalism
3 : of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration
4 : of central importance : principal <fundamental purpose>
5 : belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : deep-rooted <her fundamental good humor>

synonyms see essential

— fun·da·men·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb