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fundament

noun
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fun·​da·​ment | \ ˈfən-də-mənt How to pronounce fundament (audio) \

Definition of fundament

1 : an underlying ground, theory, or principle
2a : buttocks
b : anus
3 : the part of a land surface that has not been altered by human activities
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Synonyms for fundament

Synonyms

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Examples of fundament in a Sentence

a naked fundament was clearly visible for an instant in the movie
Recent Examples on the Web Concentrate on the fundaments of California cuisine: salads, pastas, heartier meats. — Los Angeles Times, "This is the L.A. restaurant our critic recommends more than any other," 19 Sep. 2019 But if poetry is the fundament of the Oulipo, prose has brought it its greatest triumphs, a fact that is reflected in this anthology only somewhat. — Luc Sante, Harper's magazine, "A Crew of Variegated Weirdos," 10 Jan. 2019 He is particularly concerned about Trump’s attack on institutions that are fundaments of democracy, like a free press, an independent judiciary, the legitimacy of elections, and the importance of honesty. — Annie Linskey, BostonGlobe.com, "In the era of Donald Trump, New England’s biggest GOP donor is funding Democrats," 15 Apr. 2018 For me, there is a lot of personal emotion in the record that is deep down to the core, but also the true fundaments of being in the studio. — Taylor Weatherby, Billboard, "Jerrod Niemann Talks Recording 'More From the Heart, Less From the Liver' For New Album 'This Ride': First Listen," 5 Oct. 2017 But in the fundaments of its setting — moral compromise by a gringo in Mexico — Caputo ventures into crowded territory. — Simon Akam, New York Times, "In Mexico’s Violent Drug World, a Priest’s Dilemma Over the Seal of Confession," 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fundament.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of fundament

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for fundament

borrowed from Latin fundāmentum "foundation, basis," from fundāre "to establish, found entry 4" + -mentum -ment; replacing earlier and Middle English foundement, borrowed from Anglo-French fundement, fondement, borrowed from Latin fundāmentum

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Time Traveler for fundament

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The first known use of fundament was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fundament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundament. Accessed 24 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for fundament

fundament

noun
fun·​da·​ment | \ ˈfən-də-mənt How to pronounce fundament (audio) \

Medical Definition of fundament

1 : buttocks
2 : anus

More from Merriam-Webster on fundament

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fundament

Britannica English: Translation of fundament for Arabic Speakers

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