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

Derived Forms

• ˈbasally, adverb

Other Words From

• basal·ly adverb
• pre·basal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of basal¹

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

Example Sentences

It receives massive inputs from the arousal-regulating structures of the brainstem, midbrain, and basal forebrain, and appears to play a role in filtering those signals in response to changing cognitive needs.

From Nautilus

The key is in the separation of the signals entering the neuron for forward-going inference and for backward-flowing errors, which could be handled in the model by the basal and apical dendrites, respectively.

From Quanta Magazine

In addition to the pygophore and the telltale stripes on the legs, the new fossil also distinctly shows the "basal plate," a structure shaped like a stirrup that supports the penis.

From Ars Technica

The more thyroxine a person’s thyroid gland produces, the higher that person’s basal metabolic rate will be.

From Washington Post

These microbes had been surviving in a desiccated state, not yet dead but having reduced their metabolism to the minimum, carrying out only what are called basal functions.

From Nautilus

Coffee Consumption Associated with Decreased Risk for Basal-Cell Carcinoma.

From The Daily Beast

It makes out of the savage raw material which is our basal mental stuff, a citizen.

From Project Gutenberg

The specimens from Honduras have a basal cusp on the hinder edge of the lower canine.

From Project Gutenberg

Prothorax two-thirds wider than long, sides parallel in basal half, convergent anteriorly.

From Project Gutenberg

Out of this basal belief have sprung up the stories that relate the deeds of the 'hidden' saints.

From Project Gutenberg

This he did on an oak branch six feet long whose basal end was placed in water.

From Project Gutenberg