Basis
Pronunciation : Ba"sis
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L. basis, Gr. . See Base, n.]
Definition : 1. The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests. Dryden.
2. The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue. [Obs.] If no basis bear my rising name. Pope.
3. The ground work the first or fundamental principle; that which supports. The basis of public credit is good faith. A. Hamilton.
4. The principal component part of a thing.
pl. Bases.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913