base unit

noun

plural base units

: one of a set of fundamental units in a system of measurement that is based on a natural phenomenon or established standard and from which other units may be derived

The base units of the International System of Units are the meter, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela.

compare absolute unit

Examples of base unit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though expanded in scope and scale, Fatigue maintains the Brooklyn musician’s skepticism toward the song form as an obligatory base unit of musical communication. —Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024

The base unit of the crystal structure has 10 lead atoms in it, and that number is decreased in exact proportion to the number of copper atoms that get added. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Aug. 2023

In addition, there's no guarantee that neighboring base units in the same crystal will be identical. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Aug. 2023

There are lead atoms located at very specific places in each base unit of the crystal, and not all of these locations are equivalent to each other. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Aug. 2023

The base unit can take four stackable satellite batteries, increasing its total capacity to more than 30,000 watts; Zendure's Smart Home Panel can connect the base to your home's electrical circuits to supply power throughout the house. —Dan Diclerico, goodhousekeeping.com, 4 Apr. 2023

Heat is then transferred from this plate interface to cooling fluid that runs through the system’s cabling, pushed around by a motor in the base unit. —Andrew Williams, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

base unit

noun

: one of a set of simple units in a system of measurement that is based on a natural phenomenon or established standard and from which other units may be derived see international system of units