block vs bloc :

block or bloc

“Block” has a host of uses, including as the spelling in the phrase “block of time.” But for groups of people and nations, use the French spelling bloc: “bloc of young voters,” “Cold War-era Eastern bloc of nations.” Don’t be confused by punning names for groups and Web sites like “Writer’s Bloc.”

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Definitions

  • n  a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
    the pyramids were built with large stone blocks
  • n  a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings
    he lives in the next block
  • n  a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
  • n  a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit
    he reserved a large block of seats
    he held a large block of the company's stock
  • n  housing in a large building that is divided into separate units
    there is a block of classrooms in the west wing
  • n  (computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted
    since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms `block' and `sector' are sometimes used interchangeably
  • n  an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do; often caused by emotional tension
    I knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block
  • n  a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope
  • n  a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
    the engine had to be replaced because the block was cracked
  • n  an obstruction in a pipe or tube
    we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
  • n  a platform from which an auctioneer sells
    they put their paintings on the block
  • n  the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
  • v  render unsuitable for passage
    block the way
  • v  hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
    His brother blocked him at every turn
  • v  stop from happening or developing
  • v  interfere with or prevent the reception of signals
    block the signals emitted by this station
  • v  run on a block system
    block trains
  • v  interrupt the normal function of by means of anesthesia
    block a nerve
    block a muscle
  • v  shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from sight
    The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage
  • v  stamp or emboss a title or design on a book with a block
    block the book cover
  • v  obstruct
    Her arteries are blocked
  • v  block passage through
  • v  support, secure, or raise with a block
    block a plate for printing
    block the wheels of a car
  • v  impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
    block an attack
  • v  be unable to remember
    You are blocking the name of your first wife!
  • v  shape by using a block
    block a garment
  • v  shape into a block or blocks
    block the graphs so one can see the results clearly
  • v  prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)

  • n  a group of countries in special alliance
News & Articles

  • Block Watch programs keeping crime down in Yakima
    It's even during the day, I had a neighbor down the block from us, she was robbed in broad daylight. They went in and took all her belongings,said Frank Vasquez. Block Watch Captain Frank Vasquez has seen plenty of crime in his neighborhood. It's what prompted him to lead his block watch program.
    June 15, 2013 - KIMA Yakima
  • H&R Block 4Q profit rises, but misses Street view
    H&R Block 4Q profit rises, but misses Street view (AP) — H&R Block Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter net income jumped 13 percent as cost cutting helped offset a difficult tax season, but the results missed market expectations. The tax preparation company says it faced new hurdles with last-minute tax law changes, a delayed start to the filing season and new fraud controls.
    June 15, 2013 - seattlepi.com
  • GoandDo: Kittery Block Party rocks today (and tonight)
    Kittery Block Party takes over Kittery Foreside today. Among the highlights this year are the addition of a 5K Road Race, the reunion of the Doc Johnson Blues Band during the street festival and a schedule of evening entertainment performances headlined...
    June 15, 2013 - Portsmouth Herald

  • Caricom launches ‘aid for trade’ strategy
    Caribbean trade bloc countries have asked financial experts from Southern and Eastern Africa to explain how they have secured nearly $10 billion in pledges from donor nations to help them improve thei
    June 14, 2013 - New York Amsterdam News
  • Exclusive: Creditors, governments must pay in any euro bank rescue - document
    By Matthias Sobolewski BERLIN (Reuters) - Bondholders and governments will always have to contribute to shoring up a failing euro zone bank even when the bloc's bailout fund ESM offers direct aid, according to an EU document obtained by Reuters. Seeking to limit the burden on euro zone taxpayers, "private capital resources will be explored as a first solution, including sufficient contributions ...
    June 14, 2013 - Reuters via Yahoo! News
  • EU states in deal on market rules - EU official
    LONDON (Reuters) - European Union states struck a deal on Thursday to overhaul the bloc's stock, bond, derivatives and commodities markets, an EU official said, ending a near two-year deadlock. Ambassadors ...
    June 13, 2013 - Reuters via Yahoo! Finance