base level

American  

noun

Geology.

1. the lowest level to which running water can erode the land.

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base level British  

noun

1. the lowest level to which a land surface can be eroded by streams, which is, ultimately, sea level

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Etymology

Origin of base level

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

"That was the idea: to create confusion and generate skepticism at the base level by distorting certain elements of real things."

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

At a base level, buildings are fortified with thicker beams, pillars, and walls to better withstand shaking.

From National Geographic • Jan. 4, 2024

KORINE: That’s something that people can identify with on a very base level.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2023

"It became my life and I just became this almost kind of feral human being. I was living at the most base level," said Franc.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2023

But it’s whispers mostly, bits of rumor from the staff here who aren’t military, the ones who feel twinges of guilt that make them feign not a friendliness but a base level of civility.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed