adj.
Pronunciation: ' b ā -s ə l, -z ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 1645
1 a : relating to, situated at, or forming the base b : arising from the base of a stem < basal leaves>
2 a : of or relating to the foundation, base, or essence : FUNDAMENTAL b : of, relating to, or being essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism : MINIMAL <a basal diet> c : used for teaching beginners < basal readers>
– ba · sal · ly adverb