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.

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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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• modules
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

module modules

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

He was told Canvas, the software used to administer the module, was down - something he found "a bit dodgy" because he uses the same platform at university "with no problems whatsoever".

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

While AI-enabers like optical module makers Zhongji Innolight and Eoptolink Technology sent the ChiNext Index 36% higher, the Shanghai Composite Index grew a mere 3.2%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

A newly upgraded version of this module arrived at the space station on April 11 aboard a Commercial Resupply Services mission, expanding the range of experiments scientists can perform.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 23, 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

Optical modules, or optical transceivers, are networking hardware components that convert electrical signals to optical light signals and back.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

The inquiry conducted its public hearings for each of its 10 modules between June 2023 and March 2026 and began publishing reports containing findings and recommendations from July 2024.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

The now-defunct Japanese supplier Takata said that inflaters in the air-bag modules it made for new cars had a defect that could cause air bags to rupture upon deployment, prompting the recall of millions vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

It builds panels that ship as individual walls and are assembled on-site as well as modules incorporating whole rooms with drywall, fixtures, cabinets and utilities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

If genetic modules are so autonomous, then why—to turn Morgan’s riddle on its head—are legs not growing out of fly’s heads, or humans not born with thumbs emerging from our noses?

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

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