foundational

foun·da·tion

 (foun-dā′shən)

n.

1. The act of founding, especially the establishment of an institution with provisions for future maintenance.

2. Architecture A wall or other structure, as of concrete or masonry, usually extending below ground level and forming the base upon which a building rests.

3. Something that gives rise to or supports something else. See Synonyms at base¹.

4.

a. Funds for the perpetual support of an institution; an endowment.

b. An institution founded and supported by an endowment.

5. A cosmetic used as a base for facial makeup.

6. A supporting undergarment, such as a corset or girdle, designed to give the body a more desirable shape. Also called foundation garment.

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[Middle English fundacioun, from Latin fundātiō, fundātiōn-, from fundātus, past participle of fundāre, to lay the groundwork for; see found¹.]

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foun·da′tion·al adj.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Thesaurus

foundational

adjective

Arising from or going to the root or source:

basal, basic, fundamental, original, primary, radical, underlying.

The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.