The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

basics \basics\ n. pl.
   1. a statement of fundamental facts or principles.

   Syn: ABC, ABC's, ABCs, rudiments.
        [WordNet 1.5]

   2. principles from which other truths can be derived; as,
      let's get down to basics.

   Syn: fundamentals, fundamental principle, basic principle,
        bedrock.
        [WordNet 1.5]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

basics
    n 1: a statement of fundamental facts or principles [syn:
         basics, rudiments]
    2: principles from which other truths can be derived; "first you
       must learn the fundamentals"; "let's get down to basics"
       [syn: fundamentals, basics, fundamental principle,
       basic principle, bedrock]