adj. & n.
adj. 1 forming or serving as a base. 2 fundamental. 3 a simplest or lowest in level (basic pay; basic requirements). b vulgar (basic humour). 4 Chem. having the properties of or containing a base. 5 Geol. (of volcanic rocks etc.) having less than 50 per cent silica. 6 Metallurgy of or produced in a furnace etc. which is made of a basic material.
n. (usu. in pl.) the fundamental facts or principles. basic dye a dye consisting of salts of organic bases. Basic English a simplified form of English limited to 850 selected words intended for international communication. basic industry an industry of fundamental economic importance. basic slag fertilizer containing phosphates formed as a by-product during steel manufacture. basic wage Austral. & NZ the minimum living wage, fixed by industrial tribunal. basically adv.
[ BASE(1) + -IC ]