n.
Pronunciation: fau ̇ n- ' d ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : the act of founding
2 : a basis (as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported <the foundation s of geometry> <the rumor is without foundation in fact>
3 a : funds given for the permanent support of an institution : ENDOWMENT b : an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance
4 : an underlying base or support especially : the whole masonry substructure of a building
5 a : a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid b : a woman's supporting undergarment : CORSET c : a cosmetic usually used as a base for makeup
– foun · da · tion · al \ -shn ə l, -sh ə -n ə l \ adjective
– foun · da · tion · al · ly adverb
– foun · da · tion · less \ -sh ə n-l ə s \ adjective