basal (
http://definr.com/basal)
adj 1: (botany) especially of leaves; located at the base of a
plant or stem; especially arising directly from the
root or rootstock or a root-like stem; "basal
placentation"; "radical leaves" [syn:
radical] [ant:
cauline]
2: serving as or forming a base; "the painter applied a base
coat followed by two finishing coats" [syn:
base]
3: of primary importance; "basic truths" [syn:
basic,
primary]