basal

[ bey-suh l, -zuh l ]
/ ˈbeɪ səl, -zəl /

adjective

of, at, or forming the base.
forming a basis; fundamental; basic.
Physiology.
  1. indicating a standard low level of activity of an organism, as during total rest.
  2. of an amount required to maintain this level.
Medicine/Medical. serving to induce a preliminary or light anesthesia prior to total anesthetization.

Origin of basal

First recorded in 1820–30; base1 + -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM basal

ba·sal·ly, adverb pre·ba·sal, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for basal

British Dictionary definitions for basal

basal
/ (ˈbeɪsəl) /

adjective

at, of, or constituting a base
of or constituting a foundation or basis; fundamental; essential

Derived forms of basal

basally, adverb

Medical definitions for basal

basal
[ bāsəl, -zəl ]

adj.

Of, relating to, located at, or forming a base, usually of an organ or a tooth.
Of, relating to, of situated at the lowest level, as of an organ.