adj. & n.
--adj.
1. forming or serving as a base.
2 fundamental.
3 a simplest or lowest in level (basic pay; basic requirements). b vulgar (basic humour).
4 Chem. having the properties of or containing a base.
5 Geol. (of volcanic rocks etc.) having less than 50 per cent silica.
6 Metallurgy of or produced in a furnace etc. which is made of a basic material.
--n. (usu. in pl.) the fundamental facts or principles.
Phrases and idioms:
basic dye a dye consisting of salts of organic bases. Basic English a simplified form of English limited to 850 selected words intended for international communication. basic industry an industry of fundamental economic importance. basic slag fertilizer containing phosphates formed as a by-product during steel manufacture. basic wage Austral. & NZ the minimum living wage, fixed by industrial tribunal.
Derivatives:
basically adv.
Etymology: BASE(1) + -IC