groundwork
     n 1: the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or
          developed or calculated or explained; "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}]
     3: preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation; "we are
        prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten
        years ago"
Source: WordNet® 2.0