Plural of base: fundamental support structures, starting points, or military installations. In chemistry, substances that neutralize acids.
From Greek basis (stepping, foundation) from bainein (to step, go). Latin basis maintained the meaning, evolving into the foundation concept we use today across multiple fields.
The word perfectly embodies its meaning - just as our feet are the base that supports our body, the concept of 'base' supports countless metaphors across sports, military strategy, chemistry, and mathematics. It's a foundational word about foundations.
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