BASIC

Multiple Entries:
  BASIC    basic  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
BASIC/ˈbeɪsɪk/

▶noun a simple high-level computer programming language, formerly widely used on microcomputers.

– origin 1960s: acronym from Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
basic/ˈbeɪsɪk/

▶adjective

• 1 forming an essential foundation; fundamental.

• 2 consisting of the minimum required or offered: the food was good, if a bit basic.

• 3 Chemistry containing or having the properties of a base; alkaline.

  ■ Geology relatively poor in silica: basic lava.

  ■ Metallurgy relating to or denoting steel-making processes involving lime-rich materials: basic slag.

▶noun (basics)

• 1 the essential facts or principles of a subject or skill.

• 2 essential food or materials.