stratum basale, 1. the deepest of the five layers of the epidermis, composed of cuboidal-shaped cells. This layer provides new cells by mitotic cell division. Also called basal layer, stratum germinativum. Compare stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum spinosum. See also skin. 2. the deepest layers of the uterine decidua, containing uterine gland terminals.
