cornerstone

Meaning

Noun

• A stone forming the base at the corner of a building.
• Such a stone used ceremonially, often inscribed with the architect's and owner's names, dates and other details.
• That which is prominent, fundamental, noteworthy, or central.

Origin

• From Middle English corner stoon; equivalent to corner + stone. The figurative sense in part after Psalm 118:22, quoted several times in the New Testament.