foundation

noun

• 1 (often foundations) the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.
• a body or ground on which other parts rest or are overlaid:he starts playing melody lines on the bass instead of laying the foundation down
• (also foundation garment) a woman’s supporting undergarment, such as a girdle.
• a cream or powder used as a base to even out facial skin tone before applying other cosmetics.

• 2an underlying basis or principle for something:this idea is the foundation of all modern economics without stability, the country will not be able hold the elections that will lay the foundation for a peaceful and democratic future
• [often with negative] justification or reason:distorted and misleading accusations with no foundation

• 3the action of establishing an institution or organization on a permanent basis, especially with an endowment.
• an institution established with an endowment, for example a college or a body devoted to financing research or charity.