/ ˌfʌndəˈmentl; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
serious and very important; affecting the most central and important parts of sth
SYN basic :
There is a fundamental difference between the two points of view.
A fundamental change in the organization of health services was required.
a question of fundamental importance
2.
fundamental (to sth) central; forming the necessary basis of sth
SYN essential :
Hard work is fundamental to success.
3.
[ only before noun ] ( physics ) forming the source or base from which everything else is made; not able to be divided any further :
a fundamental particle
■ noun
[ usually pl. ] a basic rule or principle; an essential part :
the fundamentals of modern physics
He taught me the fundamentals of the job.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from French fondamental , or late Latin fundamentalis , from Latin fundamentum , from fundare to found.