/ faʊnˈdeɪʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ C , usually pl. ] a layer of bricks, concrete, etc. that forms the solid underground base of a building :
The builders are now beginning to lay the foundations of the new school.
The explosion shook the foundations of the houses nearby.
➡ note at bottom
2.
[ C , U ] a principle, an idea or a fact that sth is based on and that it grows from :
Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage.
The rumour is totally without foundation (= not based on any facts) .
These stories have no foundation (= are not based on any facts) .
➡ note at basis
3.
[ C ] an organization that is established to provide money for a particular purpose, for example for scientific research or charity :
The money will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
4.
[ U ] the act of starting a new institution or organization
SYN establishment :
The organization has grown enormously since its foundation in 1955.
5.
[ U ] a skin-coloured cream that is put on the face underneath other make-up
•
IDIOMS
- shake / rock the foundations of sth | shake / rock sth to its foundations
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French fondation , from Latin fundatio(n-) , from fundare to lay a base for, from fundus bottom, base.