noun
plural bases
[count] :the bottom or lowest part of something :the part on which something rests or is supported - usually singular
[count] :something (such as a group of people or things) that provides support for a place, business, etc. - usually singular
[count] :a main ingredient to which other things are added to make something - usually singular
[count] :the main place in which a person works or lives or a business operates
a place where a military force keeps supplies and where people in the military live and work [count]
baseball :any one of the four places a runner must touch in order to score [count]
[count] chemistry :a chemical that reacts with an acid to form a salt
A base has a pH higher than 7. - compare 1acid 1, ph
[count] mathematics :a number on which a system for counting and calculating is established - usually singular
cover all the bases
also cover every base
to do or include everything that needs to be done or included
off base
US informal
not correct :wrong or mistaken
in an unprepared state
touch all the bases
or touch every base
chiefly US :to cover all the bases especially; :to mention every subject or point that needs to be considered
touch base
informal :to meet and talk as a way of learning about recent news
usually + with
verb
bases; based; basing
[+ obj] :to have a particular place as the main place where a person works or lives or where a business operates
base on/upon
[phrasal verb]
base (something) on/upon (something) :to form, make, or develop (something, such as an opinion, decision, or calculation) by using (something, such as information) as a basis, starting point, etc.
adjective
baser -est [also more ~; most ~] formal + literary :not honest or good
technical of a metal :having low quality and value