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module

 
Dictionary: mod·ule   (mŏj'ūl) pronunciation
n.
  1. A standard or unit of measurement.
  2. Architecture. The dimensions of a structural component, such as the base of a column, used as a unit of measurement or standard for determining the proportions of the rest of the construction.
  3. A standardized, often interchangeable component of a system or construction that is designed for easy assembly or flexible use: a sofa consisting of two end modules.
  4. Electronics. A self-contained assembly of electronic components and circuitry, such as a stage in a computer, that is installed as a unit.
  5. Computer Science. A portion of a program that carries out a specific function and may be used alone or combined with other modules of the same program.
  6. A self-contained unit of a spacecraft that performs a specific task or class of tasks in support of the major function of the craft.
  7. A unit of education or instruction with a relatively low student-to-teacher ratio, in which a single topic or a small section of a broad topic is studied for a given period of time.
  8. Mathematics. A system with scalars coming from a ring.

[Latin modulus, diminutive of modus, measure.]


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In architecture, a unit adopted to regulate the dimensions, proportions, or construction of the parts of a building. Modules based on the diameter of a column were used in Classical architecture. In Japanese architecture, room sizes were determined by combinations of standard rice mats called tatami. Both Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier used modular proportioning systems. Standardized modular design reduces waste, lowers costs, and offers ease of erection, flexible arrangement, and variety of use; however, most architects and producers of building materials continue to use modules based on their own special needs and interests.

For more information on module, visit Britannica.com.

A self-contained hardware or software component that interacts with a larger system. A software module (program module) comes in the form of a file and typically handles a specific task within a larger software system. Hardware modules are units that often plug into a main system. See memory module, ROM card, MCM and modular programming.

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Measures and Units: module
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[Etymology: Lat: modus, ‘measure’] A standard length or other measurement set within an industry, for instance 8 inches has been used widely in the building industry, for bricks, door-frames, panelling, etc., these having integer multiples of the said module for all their gross dimensions. In grander architecture, the module might be the arbitrary, even indefinite, size of a major component, for instance the base diameter of the characterizing columns. An example of a less direct use is with metric-sized gear wheels, where the module is the effective diameter divided by the number of teeth.

Architecture: module
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1. A distinct component forming part of an ordered system.
2. A repetitive dimensional or functional unit used in planning, recording, or constructing buildings or other structures.
3. A standard, usually of length, by which the proportions of a building are determined.
4. A unit of a building structure which is based on a standard pattern of standard dimensions.


 
module.

1 Term derived from the Latin modulus, a unit of measure in classical architecture equal to half the diameter of a column at its base. This unit was used in proportioning the classical orders of architecture.

2 The modern module is an interchangeable building unit used in construction; these units are mass-produced and therefore easily replaced and economical.


Word Tutor: module
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pronunciation

IN BRIEF: Any of a set of units that can be arranged together in various ways. Also: A section of a machine or device that can be detached.

pronunciation The space module detached from the main spacecraft and landed on Mars.

Tutor's tip: With the "model," (a small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object) transportation city planners were able to devise modal (of or relating to mode without referring to substance) transportation system.

Wikipedia: Module
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Module or modular may refer to:

Contents

Engineering

Music

Other

See also


Translations: Module
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Dansk (Danish)
n. - modul

Nederlands (Dutch)
module, modulus, watermeter

Français (French)
n. - (Aérosp, Comput, Constr, Électron) module, (École) module, (Univ) module, unité de valeur

Deutsch (German)
n. - Modul, Bauelement

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (τεχνολ.) θαλαμίσκος διαστημικού οχήματος, σεληνάκατος, τμήμα πολυσύνθετης κατασκευής

Italiano (Italian)
modulo

Português (Portuguese)
n. - módulo (m)

Русский (Russian)
модуль, элемент конструкции, модель чего-л.

Español (Spanish)
n. - módulo

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - modul

中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
模数, 组件, 预制件, 单元

中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 模數, 組件, 預製件, 單元

한국어 (Korean)
n. - (유수의 측정 단위) 모듈, (건축 등의) 기준 치수

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - モジュール, 測定基準, 加群

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) معيار, مقياس,‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮מודול, יחידה תקנית נפרדת המשמשת בהקמת מבנים והרכבת ריהוט, מערכת אלקטרונית, תוכנה ועוד, יחידת-מידה תקנית, יחידה עצמאית של חללית, יחידת הוראה או הדרכה‬


Best of the Web: module
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Some good "module" pages on the web:


Math
mathworld.wolfram.com
 
 
 

 

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Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
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Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. THIS COPYRIGHTED DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
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© 1981-2009 Computer Language Company Inc.  All rights reserved.  Read more
Measures and Units. A Dictionary of Weights, Measures, and Units. Copyright © Donald Fenna 2002, 2004. All rights reserved.  Read more
Architecture. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Columbia Encyclopedia. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright © 2003, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. www.cc.columbia.edu/cu/cup/ Read more
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