basal
    adj 1: especially of leaves; located at the base of a plant or
           stem; especially arising directly from the root or
           rootstock or a root-like stem; "basal placentation";
           "radical leaves" [syn: radical, basal] [ant:
           cauline]
    2: serving as or forming a base; "the painter applied a base
       coat followed by two finishing coats" [syn: basal, base]
    3: of primary importance [syn: basal, primary]

Basal \Ba"sal\, a.
   Relating to, or forming, the base.
   [1913 Webster]

   Basal cleavage. See under Cleavage.

   Basal plane (Crystallog.), a plane parallel to the lateral
      or horizontal axis.
      [1913 Webster]