building block meaning

building block as a noun

1. a single undivided natural thing occurring in the composition of something else
   • units of nucleic acids

   Synonyms: unit

   Type of: thing

   Kinds: chain, couple, unit cell, group, molecule

2. a block of material used in construction work

   Type of: building material

   Kinds: ashlar, cinder block, keystone, voussoir

building block in a sentence

• The family is the building block of all human societies.
• Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
• Scientists believe that asteroids are the leftover building blocks of our solar system planets.

How to pronounce building block

building block is pronounced /ˈbɪldɪŋ blɒk/ in British English and /ˈbɪldɪŋ blɑk/ in American English. It has 3 syllables.