basal

[ bey-suhl, -zuhl ]

adjective

1. of, at, or forming the base.
2. forming a basis; fundamental; basic.
3. Physiology.
   1. indicating a standard low level of activity of an organism, as during total rest.
   2. of an amount required to maintain this level.
4. Medicine/Medical. serving to induce a preliminary or light anesthesia prior to total anesthetization.

basal

/ ˈbeɪsəl /

adjective

1. at, of, or constituting a base
2. of or constituting a foundation or basis; fundamental; essential

Derived Forms

• ˈbasally, adverb

Other Words From

• basal·ly adverb
• pre·basal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of basal¹

First recorded in 1820–30; base ¹ + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Therefore, the quantity of oxygen available for the keratinocytes is lower in the basal layers of the epidermis compared to the top layers that are directly exposed to the air that surrounds us.

From Science Daily

Earlier this year, Simmons revealed he had been diagnosed with skin cancer — specifically basal cell carcinoma — and received treatment to remove the cancerous cells.

From Los Angeles Times

Results show that DRN serotonin stimulation causes activation of the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia, brain areas involved in many cognitive functions.

From Science Daily

While freshwater freezes at zero degrees Celsius, saltwater freezes at minus two degrees, and that small difference is enough to contribute to the "vigorous melting" of basal ice as found in the study.

From Science Daily

This technical advance allowed them to identify previously unseen pathways connecting the brainstem, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal forebrain, and cerebral cortex.

From Science Daily