(n) the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained, Syn. groundwork, base, fundament, cornerstone, foundation, Example:the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
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 ]