Basal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
basal
[หbeษช.sษl ]
Definition
biological term
Basal refers to something that is situated at the base or bottom. In biological contexts, it describes functions or structures that are essential and foundational, such as basal metabolic rate, which is the rate of energy expenditure by humans and other animals at rest in a neutrally temperate environment.
Synonyms
basic, fundamental, underlying.
Examples of usage
- The basal layer of the skin provides strength and support.
- Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells.
- The basal metabolic rate varies between individuals.
- Plants have basal leaves that emerge close to the ground.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- In anatomy, 'basal' refers to structures located at the base of an organism, such as basal cells in the skin.
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the minimum energy expenditure needed to keep the body functioning at rest.
- Basal ganglia are essential brain structures involved in movement control and coordination.
Psychology
- In research, 'basal' often refers to baseline measurements used as a point of reference for changes over time.
- Basal level of emotional functioning is a measure of an individualโs normal emotional state before any external influence.
- Children learn from basal levels, developing skills from the most basic concepts before moving on to more complex ideas.
Education
- Basal reading programs are designed to teach reading at a fundamental level, emphasizing the basics of phonics and comprehension.
- Some schools use basal curricula to ensure every student has a strong understanding of essential subjects before advancing.
- The basal approach in education helps provide foundational knowledge needed for more advanced learning.
Health
- Basal insulin is a type of long-acting medication used to maintain stable blood sugar levels for diabetics.
- Basal body temperature can indicate ovulation and is used by many for fertility tracking.
- Baseline health assessments provide a crucial reference for evaluating individualsโ health over time.
Origin of 'basal'
Main points about word origin
- 'Basal' comes from the Latin word 'basis,' meaning 'base' or 'foundation.'
- The term was first used in the 15th century and has evolved to describe foundational elements in various fields.
- Related words include 'basis,' 'basement,' and 'basis,' highlighting its core meaning.
The word 'basal' originates from the Latin word 'basis', which means 'base' or 'foundation'. The term made its way into the English language in the 19th century, where it was used in scientific contexts to describe foundational aspects of various disciplines, including biology and geology. The prefix 'bas-' implies a connection to the base or bottom of something, which reflects its use in describing foundational elements. Over time, 'basal' has been adopted in various scientific fields, including medicine, where it often refers to fundamental metabolic processes and cellular structures. Its versatility extends to describing any essential or foundational component in numerous contexts.