base curve


curve, base (BC) 

1. The shallower principal meridian of a toroidal surface of a toric lens. The other meridian of the toroidal surface which has the maximum power is called the cross curve. 2. In a meniscus lens, the shallower of the two surfaces. 3. Of a range of lenses of different powers, a surface power common to all the lenses in that range. See periscopic lens; back optic zone radius.