basement

views updated May 08 2018

basement
1. Highly folded, metamorphic or plutonic rocks, often unconformably (see UNCONFORMITY) overlain by relatively undeformed sedimentary beds (or cover). In this sense, basement is often, though not necessarily, Precambrian.

2. The crust below rocks of interest. In this sense, to a petroleum geologist ‘basement’ means non-prospective rocks which lie below prospective strata.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

basement

views updated May 29 2018

base·ment / ˈbāsmənt/ • n. the floor of a building partly or entirely below ground level. ∎ Geol. the oldest formation of rocks underlying a particular area.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

basement

views updated May 18 2018

basement.
1. Lower part of the walls of a building, especially if distinguished by an architectural treatment, such as rustication or battering, as in Palladian compositions.

2. Storey behind the wall described above, above the ground or wholly or partly underneath it, supporting the principal storey.

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL

basement

views updated May 21 2018

basement XVIII. prob. — Du. †basement foundation, in WFlem. bazement, perh. — It. basamento base of a column, etc.; see -MENT and Cf. (O)F. soubassement.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD