modular

[ moj-uh-ler ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a module or a modulus.
2. composed of standardized units or sections for easy construction or flexible arrangement:

   a modular home; a modular sofa.

3. Mathematics. (of a lattice) having the property that for any two elements with one less than the other, the union of the smaller element with the intersection of the larger element and any third element of the lattice is equal to the intersection of the larger element with the union of the smaller element and the third element.
4. Computers. composed of software or hardware modules that can be altered or replaced without affecting the remainder of the system.

noun

1. something, as a house or piece of furniture, built or organized in self-contained units or sections.
2. a self-contained unit or item, as of furniture, that can be combined or interchanged with others like it to create different shapes or designs.

modular

/ ˌmɒdjʊˈlærɪtɪ; ˈmɒdjʊlə /

adjective

1. of, consisting of, or resembling a module or modulus

Derived Forms

• modularity, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of modular¹

From the New Latin word modulāris, dating back to 1790–1800. See module, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

The appeals court’s Nov. 8 emergency stay stalled the purchase of the modular units and blocked the developers’ access to the VA property.

From Los Angeles Times

Until now, enhancers were thought to be modular.

From Science Daily

“We’re on the same page on that,” Bass said, suggesting the city could erect shipping containers or other modular units for more stable forms of housing rather than tent cities.

From Los Angeles Times

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of appeals has issued an emergency stay stopping work on the installation of more than 100 units of modular housing on the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Carter initially spurned that offer while working with attorneys in the case to identify parcels where an initial 106 modular units of temporary housing could be placed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commutable
• interchangeable
• standard
• transposable