first principle

first principle

n (usually plural) 1. (Logic) one of the fundamental assumptions on which a particular theory or procedure is thought to be based2. (Logic) an axiom of a mathematical or scientific theory

first′ prin′ciple

n. any axiom, law, or abstraction assumed and regarded as representing the highest possible degree of generalization.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

first principle - the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural); "he mastered only the rudiments of geometry"ABC, ABCs, ABC's, first rudiment, rudiment, alphabetbasic principle, fundamental principle, fundamentals, basics, bedrock - principles from which other truths can be derived; "first you must learn the fundamentals"; "let's get down to basics"plural, plural form - the form of a word that is used to denote more than one