ground

Material in the top layer of the surface of the earth in which plants can grow (especially with reference to its quality or use).

The solid part of the earth's surface.

“he dropped the logs on the ground”

The loose soft material that makes up a large part of the land surface.

The first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface.

A position to be won or defended in battle (or as if in battle).

“they gained ground step by step”

“they fought to regain the lost ground”

A relatively homogeneous percept extending back of the figure on which attention is focused.

(art) the surface (as a wall or canvas) prepared to take the paint for a painting.

The part of a scene (or picture) that lies behind objects in the foreground.

“he posed her against a background of rolling hills”

A rational motive for a belief or action.

“the grounds for their declaration”

A relation that provides the foundation for something.

A connection between an electrical device and a large conducting body, such as the earth (which is taken to be at zero voltage).

Bring to the ground.

“the storm grounded the ship”

Confine or restrict to the ground.

“After the accident, they grounded the plane and the pilot”

Connect to a ground.

“ground the electrical connections for safety reasons”

Hit a groundball.

“he grounded to the second baseman”

Hit onto the ground.

Instruct someone in the fundamentals of a subject.

Place or put on the ground.

Throw to the ground in order to stop play and avoid being tackled behind the line of scrimmage.

Hit or reach the ground.

Cover with a primer; apply a primer to.

Fix firmly and stably.

Use as a basis for; found on.