basis 1571, from L. basis "foundation," from Gk. basis "a step, stand, base," from bainein "go, step" (see come).
ba·sis (bā'sĭs) Pronunciation Key n. pl. ba·ses (-sēz')
1. A foundation upon which something rests. 2. The chief constituent; the fundamental ingredient: The basis for most liquids is water. 3. The fundamental principle. 4. 1. A pattern or schedule for proceeding: on a weekly basis. 2. A condition for relating or proceeding: a first-name basis; a friendly basis. See Synonyms at base1.
[Middle English, from Latin, from Greek; see gwā- in Indo-European roots.]
