foundation

noun9

1. •
   the strong bottom layer of a building, usually below the ground, that holds up everything above it
2. •
   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.

   • The foundations of this construction have been laid out.
3. •
   A basis for social bodies or intellectual disciplines.
4. •
   (figurative) The result of the work to begin something; that which stabilizes and allows an enterprise or system to develop.

   • The implication is that the Gandhian model of growth is possible, now that Nehru's investment strategy had already laid a strong foundation for economic growth. — 2006
5. •
   That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity.

   • The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. is the parent organization of the Wiktionary collaborative project.
6. •
   Cosmetic cream roughly skin-colored, designed to make the face appear uniform in color and texture.
7. •
   The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.

   • The foundation of his institute has been wrought with difficulty.
8. •
   A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
9. •
   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.