module

/ˈmɑdʒul/

/ˈmɒdʒuəl/

Other forms: modules

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.

Definitions of module

1. noun

   one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
   synonyms: faculty, mental faculty

   types:

   attention

   the faculty or power of mental concentration

   language, speech

   the mental faculty or power of vocal communication

   memory, retention, retentiveness, retentivity

   the power of retaining and recalling past experience

   intellect, reason, understanding

   the capacity for rational thought or inference or discrimination

   sensation, sense, sensory faculty, sentience, sentiency

   the faculty through which the external world is apprehended

   volition, will

   the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention

   modality, sense modality, sensory system

   a particular sense

   velleity

   volition in its weakest form

   sensibility, sensitiveness, sensitivity

   (physiology) responsiveness to external stimuli; the faculty of sensation

   absorption, concentration, engrossment, immersion

   complete attention; intense mental effort

   mental note

   special attention with intent to remember

   alertness, vigilance, wakefulness, watchfulness

   the process of paying close and continuous attention

   anamnesis, recollection, remembrance

   the ability to recall past occurrences

   type of:

   ability, power

   possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done
2. noun

   a self-contained component (unit or item) that is used in combination with other components
   types:

   cartridge

   a module designed to be inserted into a larger piece of equipment

   power module

   module that provides power to operate other modules

   ink cartridge

   a cartridge that contains ink and can be replaced

   tape cartridge

   a cartridge containing magnetic tape; for use with audio or video recorders or computer systems

   type of:

   component, constituent, element

   an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
3. noun

   detachable compartment of a spacecraft
   types:

   command module

   a space module in which astronauts can live and control the spacecraft and communicate with earth

   type of:

   compartment

   a partitioned section, chamber, or separate room within a larger enclosed area
4. noun

   computer circuit consisting of an assembly of electronic components (as of computer hardware)
   type of:

   computer circuit

   a circuit that is part of a computer