rate n. Interest rate set by the bank of england, used as the basis for other banks' rates.

- —n. - a part supporting from beneath or serving as a foundation. B notional support or foundation (power base).

- principle or starting-point.

- esp. Mil. Headquarters.

- main or important ingredient.

- number in terms of which other numbers or logarithms are expressed.

- substance capable of combining with an acid to form a salt.

- baseball etc. Each of the four stations on a pitch. —v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) found or establish (a theory, hope, etc.).

- station (troops based in malta). [greek basis stepping]

- adj. - cowardly, despicable.

- menial.

- alloyed (base coin).

- (of a metal) low in value. [latin bassus]