Relating to or forming a base; fundamental or basic. In biology, refers to the lowest level or rate of activity.
From Latin 'basis' (foundation, base) plus the adjectival suffix '-al'. The term entered scientific vocabulary in the 19th century, particularly in biology and medicine to describe fundamental processes or structures.
Your basal metabolic rate represents the calories your body burns just staying alive - breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining organs. This 'baseline' typically accounts for 60-75% of daily energy expenditure, highlighting how much energy our bodies require for basic functions alone.
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