basal

  1. Adjective.  Relating to, or forming, the base, or point of origin.
  2. Adjective.  (chiefly, systematics) In a phylogenetic tree, being a group, or member of a group, which diverged earlier.
  3. Noun.  (anatomy) Any basal structure or part.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.