module: Meaning and Definition of

mod•ule

Pronunciation: (moj'l), [key]
— n.
  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. 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. (def. 23).
    1. part of a program that performs a distinct function.
    2. an interchangeable, plug-in hardware unit.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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