module

[moj-ool]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR module ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

any of the individual, self-contained segments of a spacecraft, designed to perform a particular task: the spacecraft's command module; a lunar module.

a standard or unit for measuring.

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.

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.Compare ring¹(def 23).

Computers.

part of a program that performs a distinct function.
an interchangeable, plug-in hardware unit.

Origin of module

1555–65; < Latin modulus; see modulus

Can be confusedmode module

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for module

sector, chunk, any, share, section, factor, component, detail, element, member, item, lot, measure, piece, segment, side, unit, arm, capsule, spacecraft

Examples from the Web for module

Contemporary Examples of module

The band will be taking your questions in the module below from 4-5 PM EST today.
Live Q&A: Pomplamoose
The Daily Beast
November 10, 2014
The EPA has a module on its site to help consumers donate or recycle their old devices.
ecoATM offers consumers a new way to sell used cell phones and electronic devices
Sarah Langs
September 1, 2013
A module usually consists of a couple of undercovers, a sergeant, and five investigators.
Columbia University Drug Bust
Joshua Robinson, Lloyd Grove
December 8, 2010

Historical Examples of module

The height of a capital will be one module, and its breadth two and one sixth modules.
Ten Books on Architecture
Vitruvius
The capitals of each triglyph are to measure one sixth of a module.
Ten Books on Architecture
Vitruvius
One of these parts will form the module in accordance with which the adjustments are to be made as above described.
Ten Books on Architecture
Vitruvius
Of these parts, let one be fixed upon to form the module, and in accordance with this module the whole work is to be developed.
Ten Books on Architecture
Vitruvius
The arrangement is then equivalent to an Italian module, but on a large scale.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1
Various

British Dictionary definitions for module

module

noun

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

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

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

astronautics any of several self-contained separable units making up a spacecraft or launch vehicle, each of which has one or more specified taskscommand module; service module

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

Word Origin for module

C16: from Latin modulus, diminutive of modus mode

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

Word Origin and History for module

1580s, "allotted measure," from Middle French module (1540s) or directly from Latin modulus "small measure," diminutive of modus "measure, manner" (see mode (n.1)). Meaning "interchangeable part" first recorded 1955; that of "separate section of a spacecraft" is from 1961.