subbase

[suhb-beys]

noun

1. Architecture.,  the lowest part of a base, bases, as of a column, that consists of two or more horizontal members.

2. Mathematics.,  a collection of subsets of a topological space having the property that every open set of a given topology can be written as the union of intersections of finite numbers of sets in the collection.

subbase

/ ˈsʌbˌbeɪs /

noun

1. the lowest part of a pedestal, base, or skirting Compare surbase

Other Word Forms

• subbasal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subbase¹

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

Example Sentences

To repair one 12-foot-wide patch near Central High School, crews dug down 6 feet to the subbase.

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