basal

1. 1

   Basic, elementary; relating to, or forming, the base, or point of origin.

   • This is the basal idea.
   • The organism needs more energy on basal maintenance.
2. 2

   Associated with the base of an organism or structure.

   • In the spring, basal leaves emerge from a stout taproot.
3. 3

   Of a minimal level that is necessary for maintaining the health or life of an organism.

   • a basal diet
4. 4

   In a phylogenetic tree, being a group, or member of a group, which diverged earlier. The earliest clade to branch in a larger clade.

   • Hittite is a basal Indo-European language.
   • A magnolia is a basal angiosperm.

syn. basilar

1. 1

   base, bottom, minimum

2. 2

   Any basal structure or part