Origin: Latin
suffix -al
Basal has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
Adjective
Noun
1
base, bottom, minimum
"The basal metabolic rate represents the minimum amount of energy your body needs to function while at rest."
Adjective
1
especially of leaves; located at the base of a plant or stem; especially arising directly from the root or rootstock or a root-like stem
"basal placentation"
"radical leaves"
2
of or being the essential or basic part
"an elementary need for love and nurturing"
"a basal reader"
3
serving as or forming a base
"the painter applied a base coat followed by two finishing coats"
4
Basic, elementary; relating to, or forming, the base, or point of origin.
"The basal cells at the bottom of the skin layer constantly divide to replace those that have worn away from the surface."
Example Sentences
"basal placentation"
adjective
"radical leaves"
adjective
"an elementary need for love and nurturing"
adjective
"a basal reader"
adjective
"the painter applied a base coat followed by two finishing coats"
adjective
Related Terms