The English word "block" is spelled with five letters, but it can be a bit tricky to pronounce correctly. The IPA phonetic transcription for "block" is /blɑk/, which shows that the first sound is a voiced bilabial stop (represented by the "b"), followed by a voiced velar stop (represented by the "k"). The middle sound is a low back vowel (represented by the "ɑ"). Lastly, the consonant cluster "-ock" is represented by the phoneme /k/, which is pronounced without the vowel sound.
Block (noun):
1. A solid piece of material, typically with flat sides, often in the form of a cuboid, square, or rectangular prism, used for various purposes such as building, construction, or as a support or barrier.
2. A specific area or part of a town or city marked out by streets or buildings, often distinguished by its distinct features or purpose.
3. An obstacle or obstruction obstructing passage or movement, preventing progress or advance.
4. A section or division within a larger group, organization, or structure, often with a specific function or purpose.
5. A unit of data in computer systems used for storage or processing, typically consisting of a fixed number of bits or bytes.
6. A period of time, usually predetermined, during which a particular activity, process, or event occurs or is scheduled, especially in broadcasting, sports, or education.
7. A cluster or grouping of buildings, often identical or similar in design and function, typically forming part of a larger complex or development.
Block (verb):
1. To obstruct or hinder the passage or progress of someone or something, preventing movement or advance.
2. To prevent or impede the function or operation of something, often by obstruction or interference.
3. To stop or prevent the progress or development of something, often through rigid or inflexible action or attitude.
4. To shape or mold a material into a solid mass or form, typically using a specific tool or technique, such as carving or sculpting.
5. To schedule or allocate a specific period of time for a particular activity or event.
6. To enter into an area or field and intercept or obstruct an opponent or opposing team.
To abstract, arrest passage through.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A heavy piece of timber or stone; any mass of matter; the lump of wood on which persons were beheaded; any hindrance or obstruction; the piece of wood in which the wheels of a pulley run; a row of houses.
• To shut up; to stop; to obstruct.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "block" originates from the Middle English word "blok", which can be traced back to Old French "bloc" or "bloch". This Old French term itself comes from a Germanic source, specifically the West Germanic word "blok" or "bluco". The exact ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to have connections to Old High German "bloh" meaning "log" or "block of wood". The word "block" has evolved over time to have various meanings, including a solid piece of material, a street segment, a group of buildings, or an obstruction.