Baseline

English

Noun

Baseline (plural Baselines)

1. A line that is a base for measurement or for construction.

   A laser level generates a convenient baseline for interior work.

2. A datum used as the basis for calculation or for comparison.

   We used used the last doctor visit to provide baselines for vital statistics.

3. (typography) A line used as the basis for the alignment of glyphs.

   Several characters typically have descenders below the lower baseline.

4. (surveying) A surveyed line established with more than usual care, to which surveys are referred for coordination and correlation.
5. (photogrammetry) The line between the principal points of two consecutive vertical air photographs. It is usually measured on one photograph after the principal point of the other has been transferred.
6. (radio navigation systems) The shorter arc of the great circle joining two radio transmitting stations of a navigation system.
7. (triangulation) The side of one of a series of coordinated triangles the length of which is measured with prescribed accuracy and precision and from which lengths of the other triangle sides are obtained by computation.
8. (tennis) The line at the farthest ends of the court indicating the boundary of the area of play.

   The ref missed the call. The ball hit the baseline.

9. (engineering) A configuration of software, hardware, or a process that is established and documented as a point of reference.

   The baseline configuration includes unsupported components.

Derived terms

• baseline driver
• baseline game
• baseliner

Etymology

base +‎ line

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈbeɪslaɪn/
• Homophone: bassline

Verb

Baseline (third-person singular simple present Baselines, present participle baselining, simple past and past participle baselined)

1. (engineering, computing) To provide a baseline for measurement.
2. (tennis) To play from the baseline.

Anagrams

• Balinese