building block
noun
: a unit of construction or composition
especially
: something essential on which a larger entity is based
Synonyms
Examples of building block in a Sentence
historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web
While electronic devices are built from wires and transistors, cells are built from and controlled by a diverse collection of chemical building blocks called proteins.
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Scott Coyle, The Conversation, 31 May 2024
Heterostructures describe the interfaces between two semiconductors that serve as the building blocks between more elaborate nanostructures.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for building block 
Scott Coyle, The Conversation, 31 May 2024
Heterostructures describe the interfaces between two semiconductors that serve as the building blocks between more elaborate nanostructures.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for building block
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'building block.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near building block
Cite this Entry
“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building%20block. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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