basement

views updated May 08 2018

basement
1. Highly folded, metamorphic or plutonic rocks, often unconformably (see UNCONFORMITY) overlain by relatively undeformed sedimentary beds (or cover). In this sense, basement is often, though not necessarily, Precambrian.

2. The crust below rocks of interest. In this sense, to a petroleum geologist ‘basement’ means non-prospective rocks which lie below prospective strata.

basement

views updated May 29 2018

base·ment / ˈbāsmənt/ • n. the floor of a building partly or entirely below ground level. ∎  Geol. the oldest formation of rocks underlying a particular area.

basement

views updated May 18 2018

basement.
1. Lower part of the walls of a building, especially if distinguished by an architectural treatment, such as rustication or battering, as in Palladian compositions.

2. Storey behind the wall described above, above the ground or wholly or partly underneath it, supporting the principal storey.

basement

views updated May 21 2018

basement XVIII. prob. — Du. †basement foundation, in WFlem. bazement, perh. — It. basamento base of a column, etc.; see -MENT and Cf. (O)F. soubassement.

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