1
a
: relating to, situated at, or forming the base
b
: arising from the base of a stem
basal leaves
2
a
: of or relating to the foundation, base, or essence : fundamental
b
: of, relating to, or being essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism : minimal
a basal diet
c
: used for teaching beginners
basal readers
basally
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of basal in a Sentence
many students lacked even a basal familiarity with the topic
Recent Examples on the Web
And mine is in the basal ganglia, movement and stuff.
—
Nbc Universal, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2023
One study, which analyzed 1.1 million cells in 42 brain regions of neurotypical adults, identified specific neuronal cell types—mainly in the basal ganglia, a region involved in addictive behaviors—that were linked to 19 neuropsychiatric disorders and traits.
—Popular Science, 12 Oct. 2023
Their prime target is our roses’ tender new foliage, buds and blooms and the fresh new basal breaks at the base of the plant.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023
In order to test how exactly the cells influence sleep need, the team focused in on astrocytes in an area of the brain called the basal forebrain, which is known for having a large impact on sleep.
—Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 21 Aug. 2023
Skin cancers basal and squamous command $90,000, prostate cancer $200,000, and all other varieties such as melanoma and leukemia $250,000.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 26 July 2023
The most common types of skin cancers are basal and squamous cell cancers.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2023
According to one estimate from the American Cancer Society, about 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the U.S. (that number accounts for about 3.3 million Americans, as some have more than one of the cell).
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 27 July 2023
Therefore, most people with type 1 diabetes should be treated with multiple daily injections of mealtime (or prandial) insulin and basal insulin.
—Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2023
See More
Nbc Universal, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2023
One study, which analyzed 1.1 million cells in 42 brain regions of neurotypical adults, identified specific neuronal cell types—mainly in the basal ganglia, a region involved in addictive behaviors—that were linked to 19 neuropsychiatric disorders and traits.
—Popular Science, 12 Oct. 2023
Their prime target is our roses’ tender new foliage, buds and blooms and the fresh new basal breaks at the base of the plant.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023
In order to test how exactly the cells influence sleep need, the team focused in on astrocytes in an area of the brain called the basal forebrain, which is known for having a large impact on sleep.
—Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 21 Aug. 2023
Skin cancers basal and squamous command $90,000, prostate cancer $200,000, and all other varieties such as melanoma and leukemia $250,000.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 26 July 2023
The most common types of skin cancers are basal and squamous cell cancers.
—Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2023
According to one estimate from the American Cancer Society, about 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the U.S. (that number accounts for about 3.3 million Americans, as some have more than one of the cell).
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 27 July 2023
Therefore, most people with type 1 diabetes should be treated with multiple daily injections of mealtime (or prandial) insulin and basal insulin.
—Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'basal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
circa 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing basal
Dictionary Entries Near basal
Cite this Entry
“Basal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basal. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
Medical Definition
1
: relating to, situated at, or forming the base
2
: of, relating to, or essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism (as respiration, heartbeat, or excretion)
a basal diet
see basal metabolism
3
: serving as or serving to induce an initial comatose or unconscious state that forms a basis for further anesthetization
basal narcosis
a basal anesthetic
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