base·ment  (b ās m ənt)
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n.1. The substructure or foundation of a building. 2. The lowest habitable story of a building, usually below ground level. 3. A complex of undifferentiated igneous and metamorphic rocks underlying sedimentary strata. 4. Slang The last place or lowest level, as in competitive standings. 5. Chiefly New England A public toilet, especially one in a school.
[Probably BASE1 + -MENT (perhaps influenced by French soubassement, subfoundation).] |
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