I. ˌfən-də-ˈmen-t ə l adjective
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : serving as an original or generating source : primary
a discovery fundamental to modern computers
b. : serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : basic
2.
a. : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : radical
fundamental change
also : of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application
fundamental science
b. : adhering to fundamentalism
3. : of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration
4. : of central importance : principal
fundamental purpose
5. : belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : deep-rooted
her fundamental good humor
Synonyms: see essential
• fun·da·men·tal·ly -t ə l-ē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1637
1. : something fundamental ; especially : one of the minimum constituents without which a thing or a system would not be what it is
2.
a. : the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher harmonics is based
b. : the root of a chord
3. : the harmonic component of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude