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baseline

n. · v.
US //ˈbeɪˌsɫaɪn// UK //bˈeɪslaɪn// base·line
  1. 1 a starting point (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a starting point or standard used to compare other things.

    a datum or standard used as a basis for calculation, comparison, or measurement.

    Example

    We need to establish a baseline for his health before we start the new treatment.

    Example

    The researchers established a baseline by measuring the participants' heart rates while at rest before introducing any external stressors.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'establish', 'set', or 'provide'.
  2. 2 software/project management (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a fixed version of a project or software that is used as a reference point.

    a documented configuration of a product or process at a specific point in time, used as a reference for future changes.

    Example

    The team saved the current code as a baseline before adding new features.

    Example

    Once the requirements were finalised, the project manager set the baseline to ensure that any subsequent scope creep could be accurately tracked.
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  1. 3 sports boundary (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    the line at the very back of a sports court, like in tennis.

    the line at the farthest ends of a court indicating the boundary of the field of play.

    Example

    The tennis player stood behind the baseline to serve the ball.

    Example

    The ball landed just inside the baseline, catching the opponent off guard and securing the final point of the set.
  2. 4 typography (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    the invisible line that letters sit on when you write.

    the imaginary line upon which most characters in a typeface rest and below which descenders extend.

    Example

    The designer adjusted the baseline to make the text easier to read.

    Example

    In professional typesetting, maintaining a consistent baseline across columns is essential for a clean and balanced page layout.

  3. 5 to set a standard (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical

    to measure something at the start so you can see changes later.

    to provide or establish a baseline for future measurement or comparison.

    Example

    It is important to baseline the system performance before the upgrade.

    Example

    The engineering team spent a week baselining the existing infrastructure to quantify the efficiency gains promised by the new hardware.
Origin

From base + line.

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