relation - an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

basis, footing, ground - a relation that provides the foundation for something; "they were on a friendly footing"; "he worked on an interim basis"

grass roots - the essential foundation or source; "the problem was attacked at the grass roots"

financial institution, financial organisation, financial organization - an institution (public or private) that collects funds (from the public or other institutions) and invests them in financial assets

charity - a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)

explanation - thought that makes something comprehensible

meat and potatoes - the fundamental part; "successful negotiation is the meat and potatoes of arbitration"

supposal, supposition, assumption - a hypothesis that is taken for granted; "any society is built upon certain assumptions"

bed - a foundation of earth or rock supporting a road or railroad track; "the track bed had washed away"

raft foundation - a foundation (usually on soft ground) consisting of an extended layer of reinforced concrete

structure, construction - a thing constructed; a complex construction or entity; "the structure consisted of a series of arches"; "she wore her hair in an amazing construction of whirls and ribbons"

support - supporting structure that holds up or provides a foundation; "the statue stood on a marble support"

education - knowledge acquired by learning and instruction; "it was clear that he had a very broad education"

corset, stays, girdle - a woman's close-fitting foundation garment

roll-on - a woman's foundation garment rolled on to the hips

undergarment - a garment worn under other garments

commencement, start, beginning - the act of starting something; "he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations"

authorship, paternity - the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing; "the authorship of the theory is disputed"