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module

American  
[moj-ool] / ˈmɒdʒ ul /

noun

  • modules
    plural
  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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of module

1555–65; < Latin modulus; see modulus


Explanation

A module is an individual part that combines with other components to make different things. You might have one module that's a cube, and another that's a slab of wood. Two cubes and a slab could make an end table. In space exploration, module can refer specifically to one of the lunar modules used for landing on the moon during the Apollo space missions. Two astronauts used a module to descend to the moon from the orbiting Apollo spacecraft and to return when the moon mission was complete. More recently, the Space Shuttle delivered several modules to the International Space Station, which is built on a modular design.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing module

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

One such module tracks targets and guides the drone the final 500 meters to them.

From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2026

The first step toward that phase of the mission occurred on September 3, 2026, when both probes were separated from the transport module.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 12, 2026

The analyst reduces his module shipment estimates for both producers and cuts his 2028-2030 net profit projections by 12%-13% for LONGi and by 18%-33% for JA.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

A standard kit includes two subwoofers, an amplifier and a timing module, with costs ranging from $600 to $1,000 per unit, depending on accessories.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

“You deciphered the Limerick on your own, otherwise you wouldn’t even know about the Tomb of Horrors module, right?”

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

This means that the electrical current can flow around shaded areas, unlike with standard modules.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

The company that makes the computer advertises more advanced modules, which it claims will provide additional and even full autonomy.

From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2026

Future quantum computers may depend on the ability to connect widely separated modules through distributed entanglement.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 31, 2026

Customers are utilizing Falcon Flex, the company’s flexible licensing model, to buy a prepaid balance of funds for use across various modules.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026

About the same time that the Soviets began working on putting another woman in space, they also began talking about a space station, built from separate modules.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

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