basal
basal Lexical Profile
basal Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Forming, belonging to, or situated at the bottom or lowest layer of something, especially an anatomical or botanical structure.
"New skin cells are continuously generated in the basal layer of the epidermis."
Relating to the minimum level of physiological activity or energy expenditure required to maintain vital functions at rest.
"The patient recorded her basal body temperature each morning before getting out of bed."
Fundamental, primary, or serving as an essential starting point (especially in elementary reading instruction).
"The first-grade curriculum relies on a series of graded basal readers to build early literacy skills."
• noun
American A textbook or coordinated reading program designed to teach fundamental reading skills to elementary school students.
"Many elementary teachers supplement the district's standard basal with trade books and classroom novels."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'basal' (relating to a base or physiological baseline) with its homophone 'basil' (the aromatic culinary herb).
• Rhymes for basal
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century from the noun 'base' (from Latin 'basis' and Ancient Greek 'básis', meaning 'stepping' or 'pedestal') combined with the adjectival suffix '-al'.