foundation

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English foundacioun, fundacioun, from Old French fondacion, from Latin fundātiō (“founding, foundation”). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/, [faʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃn̩] Rhymes: -eɪʃən === Noun === foundation (countable and uncountable, plural foundations) The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect. Synonym: establishment Antonyms: abolition, dissolution, ruination That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; underbuilding. Synonyms: basis, groundwork, underbuilding, underframework (figurative) The result of the work to begin something; that which stabilizes and allows an enterprise or system to develop. Synonyms: groundwork, platform, stage (card games) In solitaire or patience games, one of the piles of cards that the player attempts to build, usually holding all cards of a suit in ascending order. (architecture) The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry. Synonyms: base, groundwall A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment. That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity. (cosmetics) Cosmetic cream roughly skin-colored, designed to make the face appear uniform in color and texture. A basis for social bodies or intellectual disciplines. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === foundation on Wikipedia.Wikipedia