BASAL


Meaning of BASAL in English

I. ˈbāsəl also -āz- adjective

Etymology: base (I) + -al

1. : relating to, situated at, or forming the base ; specifically : radical I 1a(2)

basal leaves

2.

a. : of or relating to the foundation, base, or essence : fundamental , basic , essential

basal texts in reading

b. : of, relating to, or essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism (as respiration, heartbeat, or excretion) : minimal

basal diet

— see basal metabolism

3. : serving as or serving to induce an initial comatose or unconscious state that forms a basis for further anesthetization

basal narcosis

basal anesthetic

• ba·sal·ly -əlē, -əli adverb

II. noun

( -s )

: a basal part or structure ; especially : a basal plate of an echinoderm

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.