groundwork

groundwork (http://definr.com/groundwork)

     n 1: the fundamental assumptions underlying an explanation; "the
          whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture" [syn: basis,
           base, foundation, fundament, cornerstone]
     2: lowest support of a structure; "it was built on a base of
        solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower" [syn: foundation,
         base, fundament, foot, substructure, understructure]