Phrase guide

base unit

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A unit of measurement which is not itself defined in terms of other units, and from which other units may be derived.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The SI unit of velocity is metres per second, derived from the base units metre and second.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fundamental unit

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The main unit of a computer or hi-fi system.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • When upgrading her computer she bought a new base unit but kept the screen, keyboard and mouse.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: perusyksikkö — a unit of measurement on which others are based
  • Greek: θεμελιώδης μονάδα (themeliódis monáda) — a unit of measurement on which others are based
  • Hungarian: alapegység — a unit of measurement on which others are based
  • Irish: bunaonad — a unit of measurement on which others are based
  • Swedish: grundenhet — a unit of measurement on which others are based
  • Finnish: kone — the main unit of a computer or hi-fi system
  • Finnish: soitin — the main unit of a computer or hi-fi system
  • Irish: bonnaonad — the main unit of a computer or hi-fi system