building blocks
Fundamental constituent parts
Building blocks are components that combine to form larger structures.
Originally children's toys—wooden or plastic pieces for stacking and assembling—the term now appears mostly in figurative contexts: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
The phrase emphasizes that complex things arise from simpler, fundamental elements: These skills are the building blocks of literacy.
Language's letter system
- numbersCounting and calculation symbols
- shapesExternal outlines of things
- colorsVisual spectrum variations
- lettersAlphabetic characters or mail
phonics · counting · arithmetic · addition · subtraction · multiplication · reading · writing
Constituent parts
- unitsStandard measures of quantity
- modulesSelf-contained system components
- piecesParts of something divided
- elementsFundamental parts or substances
sections · prefabricated · configurable · reconfigurable · interchangeable · interlocking · snap-fit · assembly
Underlying support system
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- basisUnderlying support or principle
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
pillars · underpinning · scaffolding · structure · infrastructure · bedrock · substrate · keystone
Amino acid polymers
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
- DNAHereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
cells · molecules · atoms · genes · enzymes · peptides · carbohydrates · lipids
Interlocking plastic toy bricks
- duploToddler building block brand
- stackingPlacing items vertically
- interlockingEngaging by overlap
- magnetic tilesConnectable plastic building shapes
construction sets · stackable · creative play · imaginative play
alphabet
Language's letter system
- numbersCounting and calculation symbols
- shapesExternal outlines of things
- colorsVisual spectrum variations
letters · phonics · counting · arithmetic · addition · subtraction · multiplication · reading · writing · spelling
components
Constituent parts
- unitsStandard measures of quantity
- modulesSelf-contained system components
- piecesParts of something divided
elements · sections · prefabricated · configurable · reconfigurable · interchangeable · interlocking · snap-fit · assembly · subassemblies
framework
Underlying support system
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- basisUnderlying support or principle
cornerstone · pillars · underpinning · scaffolding · structure · infrastructure · bedrock · substrate · keystone · platform
proteins
Amino acid polymers
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
- DNAHereditary code molecule
RNA · cells · molecules · atoms · genes · enzymes · peptides · carbohydrates · lipids · monomers
lego
Interlocking plastic toy bricks
- duploToddler building block brand
- stackingPlacing items vertically
- interlockingEngaging by overlap
magnetic tiles · construction sets · stackable · creative play · imaginative play
- childhoodchildhood, baby, child, kid, toys
- childhood playdollhouse, action figures, pretend play, dress up, tea party
- kids activitiesdrawing, board games, puzzles, dolls, craft kits
- toysteddy bear, doll, dolls, stuffed animal, puzzles
- baby playpeek-a-boo, peekaboo, pat-a-cake, patty-cake, rattles
- building toysLego, construction sets, Lincoln Logs, Magna-Tiles, magnetic tiles
building blocksfinished product
Completed manufactured good
end product · final product · end result · finished article · culmination
building blockscomplex system
Interacting components, emergent behavior
compound · superstructure · aggregate · edifice · composite
block, building, built, builder, rebuild, rebuilt, blockage, buildings, blocks