Cinderblocks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of concrete masonry unit used in construction, typically large and hollow; capable of providing structural support while being lightweight; often employed in building walls, foundations, and other structural elements
2. Solid blocks made from concrete, characterized by their hollow core design; utilized for their strength and insulation properties in various building projects; commonly found in both residential and commercial construction applications
3. Heavy rectangular forms fashioned from concrete, featuring voids that reduce weight; known for their durability and thermal efficiency; widely used in erecting retaining walls, home foundations, and sound barriers

Etymology: Cinderblocks are named for an ingredient that was once common in their making. "Cinder" refers to the residue left after burning coal or other fuel, and early versions of these hollow building units were made from concrete mixed with that ash-like material. The word is a compound of "cinder" and "block," so the name records a material rather than a process or inventor. The word is the plural of "cinderblock," which joins "cinder" and "block" in the simplest way: a block made with cinders. Its meaning has since widened to cover hollow concrete units generally, even when the mix no longer contains any cinders at all.

Synonyms: concrete blocks, building blocks