module

American  

[moj-ool] / ˈmɒdʒ ul /

noun

1. a separable component, frequently one that is interchangeable with others, for assembly into units of differing size, complexity, or function.

2. any of the individual, self-contained segments of a spacecraft, designed to perform a particular task.

   the spacecraft's command module; a lunar module.

3. a standard or unit for measuring.

4. a selected unit of measure, ranging in size from a few inches to several feet, used as a basis for the planning and standardization of building materials.

5. Mathematics.  an Abelian group with a set of left or right operators forming a ring such that for any two operators and any group element the result of having the first operator act on the element, giving a second element, and the second operator act on the second element is equal to the result of having a single operator, formed by adding or multiplying the two operators, act on the first element.

6. Computers.

   1. part of a program that performs a distinct function.

   2. an interchangeable, plug-in hardware unit.

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module British  

/ ˈmɒdjuːl /

noun

1. a self-contained unit or item, such as an assembly of electronic components and associated wiring or a segment of computer software, which itself performs a defined task and can be linked with other such units to form a larger system

2. a standard unit of measure, esp one used to coordinate the dimensions of buildings and components; in classical architecture, half the diameter of a column at the base of the shaft

3. a standardized unit designed to be added to or used as part of an arrangement of similar units, as in furniture

4. astronautics any of several self-contained separable units making up a spacecraft or launch vehicle, each of which has one or more specified tasks

   command module

   service module

5. education a short course of study, esp of a vocational or technical subject, that together with other such completed courses can count towards a particular qualification

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Etymology

Origin of module

1555–65; < Latin modulus; modulus

Example Sentences

The outlook is supported by resilient demand from new-generation smartphone launches, a major North American customer’s strong shipment guidance for December and ongoing expansion of capabilities for complex radio frequency modules, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The team used a specialist retrieval system to access the airbag control module – where a snapshot of electronic data, triggered by the crash, revealed speeds, accelerator position, steering wheel angle and brake pedal application.

From BBC

This next module, expected to last until just before Christmas, will examine the unprecedented economic intervention rolled out when the first lockdown was announced in March 2020.

From BBC

Work on the first two modules - resilience and preparedness; and decision-making and political governance - has finished.

From BBC

The report runs to around 800 pages and is the second of 10 separate modules to be completed as part of the inquiry.

From BBC

Related Words

• any
• chunk
• component
• detail
• element
• factor
• item
• lot
• measure
• member
• piece
• section
• sector
• segment
• share
• side
• unit