fundamental

Fundamental is defined as something that is basic or essential.

(adjective)

The most basic underlying truth of a religion is an example of a fundamental truth.

The definition of fundamental is a basic truth or law.

(noun)

Freedom is an example of a fundamental of the American ideal.

See fundamental in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of or forming a foundation or basis; basic; essential: the fundamental rules of art
relating to what is basic; radical: a fundamental alteration
on which others are based; primary; original: a fundamental type
most important; chief: his fundamental needs
Music
1. designating or of the lowest, or root, tone of a chord
2. designating the prime or main tone of a harmonic series
Physics designating or of a fundamental

Origin: LME < ML fundamentalis < L fundamentum: see fundament

noun

a principle, theory, law, etc. serving as a basis; essential part
Music
1. the lowest, or root, tone of a chord
2. the prime or main tone of a harmonic series
Physics the lowest frequency at which a system, as an air column or stretched string, will freely vibrate

Related Forms:

See fundamental in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

a. Of or relating to the foundation or base; elementary: the fundamental laws of the universe.
b. Forming or serving as an essential component of a system or structure; central: an example that was fundamental to the argument.
c. Of great significance or entailing major change: a book that underwent fundamental revision.
Physics
a. Of or relating to the component of lowest frequency of a periodic wave or quantity.
b. Of or relating to the lowest possible frequency of a vibrating element or system.
Music Having the root in the bass: a fundamental chord.

noun

Something that is an essential or necessary part of a system or object.
Music The first harmonic in a harmonic series; the lowest harmonic.
Physics The lowest frequency of a periodically varying quantity or of a vibrating system.

Related Forms: