Base

1. The number from which a mathematical table is constructed; as, the base of a system of logarithms.
2. A line in a survey which, being accurately determined in length and position, serves as the origin from which to compute the distances and positions of any points or objects connected with it by a system of triangles.
3. The exterior side of the polygon, or that imaginary line which connects the salient angles of two adjacent bastions.
4. The lower part of a complete architectural design, as of a monument; also, the lower part of any elaborate piece of furniture or decoration.
5. To abase; to let, or cast, down; to lower.
6. The line or surface constituting that part of a figure on which it is supposed to stand.
7. A place or tract of country, protected by fortifications, or by natural advantages, from which the operations of an army proceed, forward movements are made, supplies are furnished, etc.
8. Not classical or correct.
9. Morally low. Hence: Low-minded; unworthy; without dignity of sentiment; ignoble; mean; illiberal; menial; as, a base fellow; base motives; base occupations.
10. The chief ingredient in a compound.
11. The ground mass of a rock, especially if not distinctly crystalline.
12. That part of an organ by which it is attached to another more central organ.
13. Low in place or position.
14. A low, or deep, sound. (Mus.) (a) The lowest part; the deepest male voice. (b) One who sings, or the instrument which plays, base.
15. Not held by honorable service; as, a base estate, one held by services not honorable; held by villenage. Such a tenure is called base, or low, and the tenant, a base tenant.
16. A rustic play; -- called also prisoner's base, prison base, or bars.
17. The bottom of anything, considered as its support, or that on which something rests for support; the foundation; as, the base of a statue.
18. An apron.
19. Any one of the four bounds which mark the circuit of the infield.
20. The lower part of a wall, pier, or column, when treated as a separate feature, usually in projection, or especially ornamented.
21. Illegitimate by birth; bastard.
22. A kind of skirt ( often of velvet or brocade, but sometimes of mailed armor) which hung from the middle to about the knees, or lower.
23. The lower part of a robe or petticoat.
24. The positive, or non-acid component of a salt; a substance which, combined with an acid, neutralizes the latter and forms a salt; -- applied also to the hydroxides of the positive elements or radicals, and to certain organic bodies resembling them in their property of forming salts with acids.
25. Alloyed with inferior metal; debased; as, base coin; base bullion.
26. To put on a base or basis; to lay the foundation of; to found, as an argument or conclusion; -- used with on or upon.
27. The basal plane of a crystal.
28. A substance used as a mordant.
29. Fig.: The fundamental or essential part of a thing; the essential principle; a groundwork.
30. Of humble birth; or low degree; lowly; mean.
31. The housing of a horse.
32. The lower part of the field. See Escutcheon.
33. Of little, or less than the usual, height; of low growth; as, base shrubs.
34. Deep or grave in sound; as, the base tone of a violin.
35. The point or line from which a start is made; a starting place or a goal in various games.
36. The smallest kind of cannon.
37. Of little comparative value, as metal inferior to gold and silver, the precious metals.
38. That extremity of a leaf, fruit, etc., at which it is attached to its support.
39. To reduce the value of; to debase.