foundation

noun

1. the basis on which something is grounded

   noun.linkdef

   Examples

   There is little foundation for his objections.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. an institution supported by an endowment

   noun.group

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. lowest support of a structure

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms base foot fundament groundwork substructure understructure

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   He lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study.

   Synonyms grounding

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained

   noun.cognition

   Synonyms base basis cornerstone fundament groundwork

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms foundation garment

   Source: WordNet 3.0

7. the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new

   noun.act

   Examples

   The foundation of a new scientific society.

   Synonyms creation founding initiation innovation instauration institution introduction origination

   Source: WordNet 3.0

8. The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.

   noun

   Source: webster1913