Basal
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation [ˈbeɪsəɫ] · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Basal is an adjective meaning Basic, elementary; relating to, or forming, the base, or point of origin.
Meaning
Basic, elementary; relating to, or forming, the base, or point of origin.
More Meanings
- (anatomy) Associated with the base of an organism or structure.
- (medicine) Of a minimal level that is necessary for maintaining the health or life of an organism.
- base, bottom, minimum
- (anatomy) Any basal structure or part
- (chiefly systematics) In a phylogenetic tree, being a group, or member of a group, which diverged earlier. The earliest clade to branch in a larger clade.
Example Sentences
a basal diet
This is the basal idea.
A magnolia is a basal angiosperm.
Hittite is a basal Indo-European language.
Word Forms
- basals
Synonyms for basal
Depending on context, synonyms include basilar, essential, base, radical, basic, primary.
Antonyms for basal
Common opposites include cauline.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include elementary, primary, base, basic, essential, beginning.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.