baseline
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbeɪˌsɫaɪn// UK //bˈeɪslaɪn// base·line
n. a starting point or a standard level that you use to compare other things. It helps you see if something has improved or changed over time.
n. a minimum or starting point used for comparisons. Often used in research or technical contexts to measure the effect of a change against an initial state.
We need a baseline to see if the new diet works.
The researchers established a baseline of heart rates before the participants began the high-intensity exercise program.
Without a clear baseline of the system's performance under normal conditions, it is impossible to determine whether the recent software update has caused the observed latency issues.
From base + line.
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'establish', 'set', or 'provide'.