baseline

noun ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about baseline at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

1. An imaginary line or standard by which things are measured or compared.

   the established a baseline for the budget

2. The back line bounding each end of a tennis or handball court; when serving the server must not step over this line.
3. The lines a baseball player must follow while running the bases.