From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
basis
n 1: a relation that provides the foundation for something; "they
were on a friendly footing"; "he worked on an interim
basis" [syn: footing, ground]
2: the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or
developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument
rested on a basis of conjecture" [syn: base,
foundation, fundament, groundwork, cornerstone]
3: the most important or necessary part of something; "the
basis of this drink is orange juice" [syn: base]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Basis \Ba"sis\ (b[=a]"s[i^]s), n.; pl. Bases (b[=a]"s[=e]z).
[L. basis, Gr. ba`sis. See Base, n.]
1. The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests.
--Dryden.
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2. The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue. [Obs.]
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If no basis bear my rising name. --Pope.
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3. The groundwork; the first or fundamental principle; that
which supports.
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The basis of public credit is good faith. --A.
Hamilton.
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4. The principal component part of a thing.
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