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basal

 - 5 dictionary results

ba⋅sal

  [bey-suhl, -zuhl]
Use basal in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of, at, or forming the base.
2. forming a basis; fundamental; basic.
3. Physiology.
a. indicating a standard low level of activity of an organism, as during total rest.
b. of an amount required to maintain this level.
4. Medicine/Medical. serving to induce a preliminary or light anesthesia prior to total anesthetization.
Origin:
1820–30; base 1 + -al 1

Related forms:
ba⋅sal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To basal
bas·al   (bā'səl, -zəl)   
adj.  

    1. Of, relating to, located at, or forming a base.

    2. Botany Located at or near the base of a plant stem, or at the base of any other plant part: basal placentation.

  2. Of primary importance; basic.

bas'al·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

basal 
"relating to a base," 1828 (see base).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ba·sal
Pronunciation: 'bA-s&l, -z&l
Function: adjective
1 : relating to, situated at, or forming the base
2 : of, relating to, or essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism (as respiration, heartbeat, or excretion) basal diet> —see BASAL METABOLISM
3 : serving as or serving to induce an initial comatose or unconscious state thatforms a basis for further anesthetization <basal narcosis> basal anesthetic> —ba·sal·ly /-E/ adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

basal ba·sal (bā'səl, -zəl)
adj.

  1. Of, relating to, located at, or forming a base, usually of an organ or a tooth.

  2. Of, relating to, of situated at the lowest level, as of an organ.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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