ˈbeɪsn n. 1 a
wide shallow open container,
esp. a fixed
one for holding water. 2 a
hollow rounded
depression. 3
any sheltered
area of water
where boats can
moor safely. 4 a
round valley. 5 an area drained by rivers
and tributaries. 6 Geol. a a rock
formation where
the strata dip towards the
centre. b an
accumulation of rock strata formed in
this dip as a
result of subsidence and sedimentation. øøbasinful n. (pl. -fuls). [ME f. OF bacin f. med.L ba(s)cinus, perh. f. Gaulish]