adj.
Pronunciation: ' b ā -sik also -zik
Function: adjective
Date: 1842
1 a : of, relating to, or forming the base or essence : FUNDAMENTAL < basic truths> b : concerned with fundamental scientific principles : not applied < basic research>
2 : constituting or serving as the basis or starting point <a basic set of tools>
3 a : of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base b : having an alkaline reaction
4 : containing relatively little silica < basic rocks>
5 : relating to, made by, used in, or being a process of making steel done in a furnace lined with basic material and under basic slag
– ba · sic · i · ty \ b ā - ' si-s ə -t ē \ noun