The term "asset base" refers to the total value of a company's or individual's assets, including both tangible and intangible property. This can include cash, investments, real estate, inventory, equipment, intellectual property, and other resources that have monetary value. The asset base is an important measure of an entity's financial health and overall worth, as it represents the total amount of assets available to be used for various purposes such as debt repayment or investment in new opportunities.