building block
noun
one of a set of cube-shaped blocks used by children to make simple constructions.
a basic element or component: the building blocks of proteins.
Origin of building block
First recorded in 1840–50
Words nearby building block
buildable,
builder,
builder's knot,
buildering,
building,
building block,
building line,
building paper,
building permit,
building society,
building trades
British Dictionary definitions for building block
building block
noun
a block of stone or other material, larger than a brick, used in building
a component that fits with others to form a whole
standardized software building blocks
another name for (the child's toy) block