Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
fundamental (adjective)1.
a) serving as an original or generating source - primary a discovery fundamental to modern computers
b) serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function - basic
2.
a) of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts - radical fundamental change , also of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application - fundamental science
b) adhering to - fundamentalism
3.
of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration
4.
of central importance - principal fundamental purpose
5.
belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics - deep-rooted her fundamental good humor essential
1.
something fundamental , especially one of the minimum constituents without which a thing or a system would not be what it is
2.
a) the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher harmonics is based
b) the root of a chord
3.
the harmonic component of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
fundamental (adjective)of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
SYNONIMS:
abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlyingRELATED WORDS:
primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, keyNEAR ANTONYMS:
complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined