foundation stone

noun

1. any of the stones composing the foundation of a building.
2. a cornerstone.

foundation stone

noun

1. a stone laid at a ceremony to mark the foundation of a new building

Word History and Origins

Origin of foundation stone¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

This is a process called microtubule nucleation, which is like laying the foundation stones of a bridge.

From Science Daily

He has also been seen laying the foundation stone of the world's largest seated Buddha statue in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, funded by his military administration.

From BBC

"This is one of the fundamental foundation stones of free British society. It's there with jury trials and it's there with the presumption of innocence."

From BBC

The line-up is littered with players who could provide foundation stones for teams beyond the current World Cup.

From BBC

"It is completely staggering... that an organisation envisaged as a foundation stone of our collective security was established with a leadership hamstrung by a lack of formal governance," committee chair Meg Hillier said.

From Reuters