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

These common particles are composed of three quarks, which are fundamental building blocks of matter.

From Barron's

Psyche and other main belt asteroids are thought to be leftover building blocks from planet formation.

From Science Daily

Words are not equipped to be apologies but they are the only building blocks we have for them.

From Literature

Amino acids are small molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

From Science Daily

Speaking to TNT Sports, returning captain John McGinn suggested that the result had provided Villa with a "building block" and the opportunity to "reset" after a difficult few weeks.

From BBC

Related Words

• constituent
• ingredient