basic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn; an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code; no longer in general use
  2. noun (usually plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant
    staple.
  3. adjective pertaining to or constituting a base or basis
    • a basic fact
    • the basic ingredients
    • basic changes in public opinion occur because of changes in priorities
  4. adjective satellite reduced to the simplest and most significant form possible without loss of generality
    canonic; canonical.
    • a basic story line
    • a canonical syllable pattern
  5. adjective satellite serving as a base or starting point
    introductory.
    • a basic course in Russian
    • basic training for raw recruits
    • a set of basic tools
    • an introductory art course
  6. adjective satellite of or denoting or of the nature of or containing a base

WordNet

Ba"sic adjective
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) (a) Relating to a base; performing the office of a base in a salt. (b) Having the base in excess, or the amount of the base atomically greater than that of the acid, or exceeding in proportion that of the related neutral salt. (c) Apparently alkaline, as certain normal salts which exhibit alkaline reactions with test paper.
  2. (Min.) Said of crystalline rocks which contain a relatively low percentage of silica, as basalt.

Webster 1913