foundation

1. (figurative) The result of the work to begin something; that which stabilizes and allows an enterprise or system to develop.Examples: "The implication is that the Gandhian model of growth is possible, now that Nehru's investment strategy had already laid a strong foundation for economic growth."Synonyms: groundwork, platform, stagecountablefigurativelyuncountable

2. (card games) In solitaire or patience games, one of the piles of cards that the player attempts to build, usually holding all cards of a suit in ascending order.countableuncountable

3. (architecture) The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry.Examples: "The foundations of this construction have been laid out."; "“Marge Gets A Job” opens with the foundation of the Simpson house tilting perilously to one side, making the family homestead look like the suburban equivalent of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa."Synonyms: base, groundwallcountableuncountable

4. (cosmetics) Cosmetic cream roughly skin-colored, designed to make the face appear uniform in color and texture.countableuncountable