baseline
baseline Lexical Profile
baseline Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A minimum or starting point used for comparisons, evaluations, or future measurements.
"Last year's energy consumption will serve as a baseline for measuring our conservation efforts."
A boundary line marking each end of a court in tennis, basketball, volleyball, or badminton, or the direct path running between the bases on a baseball field.
"The tennis player hit a powerful forehand winner right from the baseline."
In typography and handwriting, the imaginary horizontal line upon which the main body of letters rests and below which descenders extend.
"Make sure all the capital letters align evenly along the typographic baseline."
• adjective
Relating to, serving as, or representing an initial reference point, minimum standard, or starting measurement.
"The researchers collected baseline data from all participants before beginning the clinical trial."
• verb
To establish an initial measurement, configuration, or standard for a project or system against which future changes or performance can be evaluated.
"The engineering team baselined the project schedule before starting the development phase."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'baseline' (a starting point, boundary line, or reference standard) with its homophone 'bassline' (the low-frequency melody played by a bass instrument in music).