Installation from which a military force initiates operations; SYN. base of operations.

In mathematics, the number of different single-digit symbols used in a particular number system. In our usual (decimal) counting system of numbers (with symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) the base is 10. In the binary number system, which has only the symbols 1 and 0, the base is two. A base is also a number that, when raised to a particular power (that is, when multiplied by itself a particular number of times as in 102 = 10 x 10 = 100), has a logarithm equal to the power. For example, the logarithm of 100 to the base ten is 2.
In geometry, the term is used to denote the line or area on which a polygon or solid stands.The bottom side of a geometric figure from which the altitude can be constructed.
(In a digital numeration system) The positive integer that is equivalent to one in the next higher counting place; SYN. radix.
1. In mathematics, a number that is raised to the power specified by an exponent. For example, in 23 = 2 x 2 x 2 = 8, the base is 2. 2. In mathematics, the number of digits in a particular numbering system. With microcomputers, four numbering systems are commonly used or referred to—binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal—and each is based on a different number of digits. The binary, or base-2, numbering system, which is used to discuss the states of a computer’s logic, has two digits, 0 and 1. Octal, or base-8, has eight digits, 0 through 7. The familiar decimal, or base-10, numbering system has ten digits, 0 through 9. Hexadecimal, or base-16, has sixteen digits, 0 through 9 and A through F. When numbers are written in a particular base, the base is often subscripted and enclosed in parentheses after the number, as in 24AE(16) = 9,390. Also called: radix. See also binary1, decimal, hexadecimal, octal.

ETYM Latin radix, -icis, root. Related to Radish.
1. A primitive form, from which spring other words; a radical; a root; an etymon.
2. A number or quantity which is arbitrarily made the fundamental number of any system; a base. Thus, 10 is the radix, or base, of the common system of logarithms, and also of the decimal system of numeration.
The base of a number system—for example, 2 in the binary system, 10 in the decimal system, 8 in the octal system, and 16 in the hexadecimal system. See also base (definition 2).
Root; root-number or numerical base; root word or stem.
Root; Mathematics, base of a numerical system, as 10 is of decimal system.

(Electronics) The part of a transistor that separates the emitter from the collector.
One of three terminals (emitter, base, and collector) in a bipolar transistor. The current through the base controls the current between the emitter and the collector. See also transistor.
The insulating foundation of a printed circuit board. See also circuit board.

Chemistry, compound combining with acid to form salt.
In chemistry, a substance that accepts protons, such as the hydroxide ion (OH-) and ammonia (NH3). Bases react with acids to give a salt. Those that dissolve in water are called alkalis.
Inorganic bases are usually oxides or hydroxides of metals, which react with dilute acids to form a salt and water. A number of carbonates also react with dilute acids, additionally giving off carbon dioxide. Many organic compounds that contain nitrogen are bases.
Any of various water-soluble compounds capable of turning litmus blue and reacting with an acid to form a salt and water; SYN. alkali.

Unit of metrical pattern in poetry; see meter.
The five most common types of foot in English poetry are iamb (v –), trochee (– v), dactyl (– vv), spondee (—), and anapest (vv –); the symbol v stands for an unstressed syllable and—for a stressed one.
(Irregular plural: feet).
1. A linear unit of length equal to 12 inches or a third of a yard; SYN. ft.
2. The extremity of the leg of a human being; SYN. human foot.
3. Any of various organs of locomotion or attachment in invertebrates; SYN. invertebrate foot.
4. A support resembling a pedal extremity.
5. The lower part of anything; SYN. base, bottom, pedestal.
6. Travel by foot.

ETYM French base, Latin basis, from Greek basis a stepping, step, a base, pedestal, from bainein to go, step, akin to Eng. come. Related to Basis, and see Come.
1. A support or foundation; SYN. pedestal, stand.
2. A flat bottom on which something is intended to sit.
3. The bottom or lowest part.
4. Place that runner must touch before scoring; SYN. bag.
5. The place where one is stationed and from which missions start and end; SYN. home.
6. The principal ingredient of a mixture.

ETYM Latin basis, Greek basis. Related to Base.
The fundamental assumptions underlying an explanation; SYN. base, foundation, fundament, groundwork, cornerstone.

See hexadecimal.

See binary1.

See octal.

A form of database used in expert systems that contains the accumulated body of knowledge of human specialists in a particular field. The reasoning ability or problem-solving approach that a specialist would use is contained in the inference engine, which forms another crucial part of an expert system. See also expert system, inference engine.

A wandering on foot; an idle and leisurely walk; a ramble.