ETYM Old Eng. ground, grund, as. grund; akin to Dutch grond, os., German, Swed., and Dan. grund, Icel. grunnr bottom, Goth. grundus (in composition); perh. orig. meaning, dust, gravel, and if so perh. akin to Eng. grind.
1. The earth; soil.
2. A solid basis upon which something is constructed (literally or figuratively).
3. A position to be won or defended in battle (or as if in battle).
4. A relatively neutral area extending back of the figure on which attention is focused; SYN. background, backdrop.
5. (Art) The surface (as a wall or canvas) prepared to take the paint for a painting.

1. The electrical neutral line having the same potential as the surrounding earth.
2. The negative side of dc power supply.
3. Reference point for an electrical system.
4. A connection between an electrical device and the earth (which is a zero voltage); SYN. earth.
A conducting path from an electric circuit to earth or to a conducting body serving in place of earth, usually used as a safety device. See also grounding.
An electrical connection between an appliance and the ground, which becomes part of the circuit. In the event of a fault in an electrical appliance (for example, involving connection between the live part of the circuit and the outer casing) the current flows to earth, causing no harm to the user.
In most domestic installations, grounding is achieved by a connection to an underground metal water-supply pipe buried in the ground before it enters the premises.