To save this word, you'll need to log in.
stratum ba·sa·le | \ -bā-ˈsā-lē 
\
\ plural strata basalia\ -lē-ə \
\Medical Definition of stratum basale
1 : the basal layer of the epidermis consisting of a single row of columnar or cuboidal epithelial cells that continually divide and replace the rest of the epidermis as it wears away
— called also stratum germinativum
— see malpighian layer2 : the deep layer of the endometrium that is between the stratum spongiosum and the myometrium and that is retained during menstruation
Comments on stratum basale
What made you want to look up stratum basale? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
More Confusing Words—Quiz
- The magician
______moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- More Confusing Words—Quiz
How many of these commonly confused words do you know?
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share stratum basale