adj 1  :  relating to, situated at, or forming the base  2  :  of, relating to, or essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism (as respiration, heartbeat, or excretion) <a diet>  - see BASAL METABOLISM   3  :  serving as or serving to induce an initial comatose or unconscious state that forms a basis for further anesthetization < narcosis>  <a anesthetic>  ba*sal*ly adv 
 
   
 
Similar sounding terms:  basale  basalia  B cell 
 
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