basis

Definition

A physical base or foundation.

Etymology

From Latin basis, from Ancient Greek βάσις (básis), from Proto-Indo-European *gʷémtis, derived from Proto-Indo-European *gʷem- (whence also come). Doublet of base.

Example Sentences

• "1695, William Congreve, To the King, on the taking of Namur, 1810, Samuel Johnson, Alexander Chalmers (biographies), The Works of the English Poets from Chaucer to Cowper, Volume 10, page 271, Beholding rocks from their firm basis rent; Mountain on mountain thrown, With threatening hurl, that shook th' aerial firmament!"
• "We see here the ground-plan of masses of houses, with their upper walls of fire-baked brick on a basis of stone."
• "I wonder if the South Korean side has any basis that its smog is from China."