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 : basic2 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 fundamentalism3: of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration4: 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