n. 1 a wide shallow open container, esp. a fixed one for holding water. 2 a hollow rounded depression. 3 any sheltered area of water where boats can moor safely. 4 a round valley. 5 an area drained by rivers and tributaries. 6 Geol. a a rock formation where the strata dip towards the centre. b an accumulation of rock strata formed in this dip as a result of subsidence and sedimentation. basinful n. (pl. -fuls).
[ ME f. OF bacin f. med.L ba(s)cinus, perh. f. Gaulish ]