base (subs.) Copy link Outline I. The bottom or groundwork of anything1. băsis, is, f.2. băsella (a small b.)3. spīra (only of columns)II. Milit. t. t. • base (subs.): I. The bottom or groundwork of anything: 1. băsis, is, f.: on the b. of the statues, in basi statuarum, Cic.: the b. of a triangle, b. trianguli, Cic. 2. băsella (a small b.): Pall. 3. spīra (only of columns): Vitr.: Plin. Phr.: two rivers washed the b. of that hill, ejus collis radices duo flumina subluebant, Caes.: v. foot, foundation. II. Milit. t. t.: base of operations (Gr. ἀφορμὴ): *ea regio unde exercitui copiae cujusque generis suppeditantur.