building block

American  

noun

1. block.

2. one of a set of cube-shaped blocks used by children to make simple constructions.

3. a basic element or component.

   the building blocks of proteins.

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building block British  

noun

1. a block of stone or other material, larger than a brick, used in building

2. a component that fits with others to form a whole

   standardized software building blocks

3. another name for (the child's toy) block

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Etymology

Origin of building block

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

According to the researchers, these reactions may have set off a chain of events that produced several of the fundamental building blocks of life.

From Science Daily

Amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, are essential for many processes in the body, including tissue repair and immune function.

From Science Daily

His longtime prescriptions of fresh food, sunshine, regular exercise and meditation are now widely accepted building blocks of health, and are no longer the sole province of ditzy L.A. hippies.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the first building block, the thing that quietly dictates how the rest of the week will unfold.

From Salon

Lego has unveiled Smart Bricks - tech-filled versions of its small building blocks - which it says will bring sets to life with sound, light and reaction to movement.

From BBC

Related Words

• constituent
• ingredient