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The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue. [Obs.] If no basis bear my rising name. Pope.

Prolonged at the base, as certain leaves.

The basisphenoid bone.

Of or pertaining to that part of the base of the cranium between the basioccipital and the presphenoid, which usually ossifies separately in the embryo or in the young, and becomes a part of the sphenoid in the adult.

of the younger Cyrus into Central Asia, described by Xenophon in his work called "The Anabasis." The anabasis of Napoleon. De Quincey.

A figure in which the orator treats of things according to their events consequences.

A transition from one subject to another.

A fruit consisting of many dry indehiscent cells, which contain but few seeds and cohere about a common style, as in the mallows.

rm of a powder or crust (usually white) in dry weather following rains or irrigation. The basis of these salts is mainly soda with a smaller amount of potash, and usually a little lime and magnesia. Two main classes of alkali are commonly distinguished: black alkali, which may be any alkaline carbonate, but which prac…

y places. It takes a fine polish, and is used for pipe mouthpieces, beads, etc., and as a basis for a fine varnish. By friction, it becomes strongly electric.

Pertaining to anabasis; as, an anabatic fever. [Obs.]

To put on a base or basis; to lay the foundation of; to found, as an argument or conclusion; -- used with on or upon. Bacon.

The structureless, protoplasmic tissue of the embryo; the primitive basis of an organ yet unformed, from which it grows.

Dregs or grounds; lees; sediment. Johnson. At bottom, At the bottom, at the foundation or basis; in reality. "He was at the bottom a good man." J. F. Cooper. -- To be at the bottom of, to be the cause or originator of; to be the source of. [Usually in an opprobrious sense.] J. H. Newman. He was at the bottom of many e…

The chemical basis of cartilage, converted by long boiling in water into a gelatinous body called chondrin.

The chemical basis of ordinary connective tissue, as of tendons or sinews and of bone. On being boiled in water it becomes gelatin or glue.

The political morality taught by Confucius and his disciples, which forms the basis of the Chinese jurisprudence and education. It can hardly be called a religion, as it does not inculcate the worship of any god. S. W. Williams.

ed to have been first published at Barcelona early in the 14th century. It has formed the basis of most of the subsequent collections of maritime laws. Kent. Bouvier.

he term is commonly applied to various educational institutions organized on a commercial basis, some of which offer a large variety of courses in general and technical subjects, conducted by specialists.

demons or false gods. The established theology of the heathen world . . . rested upon the basis of demonism. Farmer.