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   Foun·da·tion

   /founˈdāSH(ə)n/

   

   noun

   • 1. the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level: "build the arch resting on top of this solid foundation" Similar footingfootbasesubstructureunderstructureunderpinningbottombedrocksubstratum
   • ▪ a colored cream, powder, or liquid used as a base to even out facial skin tone before applying other cosmetics: "apply moisturizer a few minutes before using foundation"
   • 2. an underlying basis or principle: "this idea is the foundation of all modern economics" Similar basisstarting pointbasepoint of departurebeginningpremisefundamental point/principleprincipal constituentmain ingredientprinciplesfundamentalsrudimentscornerstonecoreheartthrustessencekernelnubunderpinninggroundwork
   • ▪ justification or reason: "distorted and misleading accusations with no foundation" Similar justificationgroundsdefensereasoncausemitigating circumstancesmitigationextenuationexplanationoccasionbasismotivemotivationexcusecallpretextprovocation
   • 3. the action of establishing an institution or organization on a permanent basis, especially with an endowment. Similar foundingestablishingsetting upstartinginitiationinstitutionformingcreationlaunchflotationoriginationdevelopmentinaugurationconstitutionendowmentOpposite dissolutionliquidation
   • ▪ an institution established with an endowment, for example a college or a body devoted to financing research or charity: "charitable foundations" Similar endowed institutioninstitutioncharitable bodyfunding agencysource of funds

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French fondation, from Latin fundatio(n-), from fundare ‘to lay a base for’ (see found2).

   Scrabble Points: 14

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