'Basal' definitions:

Definition of 'basal'

From: WordNet
adjective
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]
adjective
Serving as or forming a base; "the painter applied a base coat followed by two finishing coats" [syn: basal, base]
adjective
Of primary importance [syn: basal, primary]

Definition of 'Basal'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]