Dictionary entries for 'fundamental'

Synonyms

fun·da·men·tal (fŭńdə-mĕńtl)

adjective

1. Of or relating to the foundation or base; elementary: the fundamental laws of the universe.
2. Forming or serving as an essential component of a system or structure; central: an example that was fundamental to the argument.
3. Of great significance or entailing major change: a book that underwent fundamental revision.
Physics
1. Of or relating to the component of lowest frequency of a periodic wave or quantity.
2. Of or relating to the lowest possible frequency of a vibrating element or system.
Music Having the root in the bass: a fundamental chord.

Something that is an essential or necessary part of a system or object.
Music The first harmonic in a harmonic series; the lowest harmonic.
Physics The lowest frequency of a periodically varying quantity or of a vibrating system.