the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture

[ Syn: basis , base , foundation , groundwork , cornerstone ]

the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on; he deserves a good kick in the butt; are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?

[ Syn: buttocks , nates , arse , butt , backside , bum , buns , can , hindquarters , hind end , keister , posterior , prat , rear , rear end , rump , stern , seat , tail , tail end , tooshie , tush , bottom , behind , derriere , fanny , ass ]

lowest support of a structure; it was built on a base of solid rock; he stood at the foot of the tower

[ Syn: foundation , base , foot , groundwork , substructure , understructure ]