OK?
Well, the word derives from Italian “basso”, which does sound more similar to “bass” than “base”.
I always thought “drum’n’bass” sounded catchier than “drum’n’base”.
Your right… It’s Bass, like the Alto, like Soprano, like Tenor.
But there is a lot of people doing music with only the base… A few notes and few timbre…
And when I was playing bass and some guy was telling me I’m playing the “base” I was replying that I play the base in terms of pitch (the lowests notes) on which other musician will build the harmony and melody… I’m a “bassman” not a “baseman”
: )
One of those English words that every non-native speaker initially mispronounces, I think. Still doesn’t make any sense to me.
All your bass…
sample this, loop it, add random hardstyle track… quick way to educate the kids 
Ass Of Bass.