basement

(bāsmənt)

noun

  1. the foundation or lower part of a wall or structure
  2. the lowest story of a building, below the main floor and wholly or partly below the surface of the ground
  3. Geol. the oldest layer of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the crust of the earth, covered by layers of more recent, usually sedimentary rocks

Origin: base + -ment

See basement in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The substructure or foundation of a building.
  2. The lowest habitable story of a building, usually below ground level.
  3. Geology 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.

Origin:

Origin: Probably base1

Origin: + -ment (perhaps influenced by French soubassement, subfoundation)

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