module

UK: /ˈmɒdjuːl/ US: /ˈmɑdʒul/ ,(moj′o̅o̅l)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

mod•ule /ˈmɑdʒul/   n. [countable]

1. a part that can be separated from the rest, frequently one that may be exchanged with or used in place of others:
   The kit contained modules that could be put together to form various toys.
2. Aerospace any of the parts of a spacecraft that may stand alone or be used independently:
   The lunar module detached itself and headed toward the surface.

See -mod-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mod•ule  (moj′o̅o̅l), n. 

1. a separable component, frequently one that is interchangeable with others, for assembly into units of differing size, complexity, or function.
2. Aerospace 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. Weights and Measures a standard or unit for measuring.
4. Weights and Measures 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. [Math.] 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. Cf. ring ¹ (def. 23).
6. Computing
   • part of a program that performs a distinct function.
   • an interchangeable, plug-in hardware unit.

• Latin modulus; see modulus
• 1555–65

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

module / ˈmɒdjuːl/ noun

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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

Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin modulus, diminutive of modus mode