— foundational , adj. — foundationally , adv. — foundationary , adj.
/fown day"sheuhn/ , n.
1. the basis or groundwork of anything: the moral foundation of both society and religion.
2. the natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests.
3. the lowest division of a building, wall, or the like, usually of masonry and partly or wholly below the surface of the ground.
4. the act of founding, setting up, establishing, etc.: a policy in effect since the foundation.
5. the state of being founded.
6. an institution financed by a donation or legacy to aid research, education, the arts, etc.: the Ford Foundation.
7. an endowment for such an institution.
8. a cosmetic, as a cream or liquid, used as a base for facial makeup.
9. See foundation garment .
10. Solitaire. a card of given denomination on which other cards are to be added according to denomination or suit.
[ 1350-1400; ME foundacioun fundation- (s. of fundatio ), equiv. to fundat ( us ) (ptp. of fundare; see FOUND 2 ) + -ion- -ION ]
Syn. 2. See base 1 . 2, 3. footing. 4, 5 . establishment, settlement.
Ant. 2, 3. superstructure.