subbase

noun

sub·​base ˈsəb-ˌbās How to pronounce subbase (audio)
: underlying support placed below what is normally construed as a base: such as
a
: the lowest member horizontally of an architectural base or of a baseboard or pedestal
b
: pervious fill (such as crushed stone) placed under a roadbed

Examples of subbase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is called the subbase, or unbound aggregate base. Mansour Solaimanian, The Conversation, 10 May 2024 According to the audit, streets are constructed in four levels — surface, base, subbase and subgrade — so a resurfaced road would not necessarily cure a flawed subgrade. Jeff McDonald, sandiegouniontribune.com, 13 July 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subbase was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near subbase

Cite this Entry

“Subbase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subbase. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on subbase

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!