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

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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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Therefore, the quantity of oxygen available for the keratinocytes is lower in the basal layers of the epidermis compared to the top layers that are directly exposed to the air that surrounds us.

Read more on Science Daily