Capstone vs. Cornerstone

Capstonenoun

Any of the stones making up the top layer of a wall; a coping stone.

Cornerstonenoun

A stone forming the base at the corner of a building.

Capstonenoun

(figurative) A crowning achievement, culmination or finishing touch.

Cornerstonenoun

Such a stone used ceremonially, often inscribed with the architect's and owner's names, dates and other details.

Capstonenoun

A fossil echinus of the genus Cannulus; - so called from its supposed resemblance to a cap.

Cornerstonenoun

(figuratively) That which is prominent, fundamental, noteworthy, or central.

Capstonenoun

a final touch; a crowning achievement; a culmination

Cornerstonenoun

the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained;

‘the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture’;

Capstonenoun

a stone that forms the top of wall or building

Cornerstonenoun

a stone in the exterior of a large and important building; usually carved with a date and laid with appropriate ceremonies

Cornerstonenoun

a stone at the outer corner of two intersecting masonry walls

Cornerstonenoun

an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based

‘a national minimum wage remained the cornerstone of policy’;

Cornerstonenoun

a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls.

Cornerstone

The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.