basal

[bey-suhl, -zuhl]

adjective

1. of, at, or forming the base.

2. forming a basis; fundamental; basic.

3. Physiology.

   1. indicating a standard low level of activity of an organism, as during total rest.

   2. of an amount required to maintain this level.

4. Medicine/Medical.,  serving to induce a preliminary or light anesthesia prior to total anesthetization.

basal

/ ˈbeɪsəl /

adjective

1. at, of, or constituting a base

2. of or constituting a foundation or basis; fundamental; essential

Other Word Forms

• basally adverb
• prebasal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of basal¹

First recorded in 1820–30; base ¹ + -al ¹

Example Sentences

They tracked each patient's next diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

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Ramsay announced earlier this week that he had basal cell carcinoma removed from his jaw in an Instagram post.

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The Michelin-starred celebrity chef posted Saturday on Instagram that he was diagnosed with skin cancer and had the basal cell carcinoma removed from the side of his face.

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The NHS says basal cell carcinoma is one of the main types of non-melanoma skin cancer, which can often be easily treated.

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In her case, a basal cell carcinoma - a type of skin cancer - was diagnosed needing removal.

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