foundation stone

• Grosse pierre posée à la base d'un bâtiment lors d'une cérémonie marquant le début de la construction, ou, au sens figuré, base fondamentale ou point de départ de quelque chose d'important.

A large stone set at the base of a building during a ceremony to mark the start of construction, or figuratively, the fundamental basis or starting point of something important.

1. Literal building stoneB2formal

   A large stone set at the base of a building during construction, often commemorated with a ceremony.

   première pierre

   • The mayor laid the foundation stone for the new hospital.
   • A time capsule was placed under the foundation stone.
   • The foundation stone was carved with the date of construction.

2. Basis or starting pointC1formal

   The fundamental principle or basis upon which something is built or established.

   pierre angulaire

   • Trust is the foundation stone of any strong relationship.
   • Education is the foundation stone of a prosperous society.
   • This treaty served as the foundation stone for lasting peace.