'Groundwork' definitions:

Definition of 'groundwork'

From: WordNet
noun
The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture" [syn: basis, base, foundation, fundament, groundwork, cornerstone]
noun
Lowest support of a structure; "it was built on a base of solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower" [syn: foundation, base, fundament, foot, groundwork, substructure, understructure]
noun
Preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation; "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"

Definition of 'Groundwork'

From: GCIDE
  • Groundwork \Ground"work`\ (ground"w[^u]rk`), n. That which forms the foundation or support of anything; the basis; the essential or fundamental part; first principle; as, development of a convenient DNA sequencing technique layed the groundwork for many of the subsequent advances in molecular genetics. --Dryden. [1913 Webster +PJC]