1. (n.) That which is unformed or undeveloped; the principle which lies at the bottom of any development; an unfinished beginning.

2. (n.) Hence, an element or first principle of any art or science; a beginning of any knowledge; a first step.

3. (n.) An imperfect organ or part, or one which is never developed.

4. (v. t.) To furnish with first principles or rules; to instruct in the rudiments.

Anlage base basement basic basis bearing wall bed bedding bedrock blastula bud egg element elements embryo fetus floor flooring fond footing foundation fundament fundamental fundamentals germ germen grammar ground grounds groundwork hardpan larva loins nucleus nymph ovum part and parcel pavement principle principles radical riprap rock bottom seat seed sill solid ground solid rock spermatozoon stereobate stylobate substratum terra firma underbuilding undercarriage undergirding underpinning understruction understructure zygote