base

base · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The lowest part or foundation of something.

  2. 2.

    A main or central location from which activities are conducted.

  3. 3.

    The fundamental principle or starting point.

  4. 4.

    [chemistry]A substance that neutralizes acids.

  5. 5.

    [baseball]One of four stations that a runner must touch.

  6. 6.

    [mathematics]The number that is raised to a power.

  7. 7.

    Use as a foundation or starting point.

  8. 8.

    Station or situate.

  9. 9.

    Without moral principles; ignoble.

Forms

plural: bases

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    base on/upon — Use as a foundation.
  • •
    touch base — Make contact; communicate briefly.
  • •
    off base — Wrong; mistaken.
  • •
    cover all bases — Address every possibility.
  • •
    base camp — A camp from which expeditions are made.
  • •
    first base — Initial success (often romantic).

Related words

Antonyms: peak, top
See also: basis, bottom, foundation, headquarters
Synonyms: bottom, foundation, headquarters

Etymology

From Old French base, from Latin basis ("foundation, pedestal"), from Greek basis ("step, base").