I. ˈbas noun
( plural bass or bass·es )
Etymology: Middle English base, bærs, from Old English bærs; akin to Old High German bersich perch
Date: before 12th century
: any of numerous edible marine or freshwater bony fishes (especially families Centrarchidae, Serranidae, and Percichthyidae of the order Perciformes)
II. ˈbās adjective
Etymology: Middle English bas base — more at base
Date: 15th century
1. : deep or grave in tone
2.
a. : of low pitch
b. : relating to or having the range or part of a bass
III. ˈbās noun
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : the lowest voice part in a 4-part chorus
b. : the lower half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range — compare treble
c. : the lowest adult male singing voice ; also : a person having this voice
d. : a member of a family of instruments having the lowest range ; especially : double bass
2. : a deep or grave tone : a low-pitched sound
IV. ˈbas noun
Etymology: alteration of bast
Date: 1691
1. : basswood 1
2. : a coarse tough fiber from palms