MODULE
module
(noun) a self-contained component (unit or item) that is used in combination with other components
module
(noun) computer circuit consisting of an assembly of electronic components (as of computer hardware)
module
(noun) detachable compartment of a spacecraft
faculty, mental faculty, module
(noun) one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
module (plural modules)
A self-contained component of a system, often interchangeable, which has a well-defined interface to the other components.
(architecture) A standard unit of measure used for determining the proportions of a building.
(programming) A section of a program; a subroutine or group of subroutines.
A unit of education covering a single topic.
A pre-prepared adventure scenario with related materials for a role-playing game.
(algebra, ring theory) An abelian group equipped with the operation of multiplication by an element of a ring (or another of certain algebraic objects), representing a generalisation of the concept of vector space with scalar multiplication.
Meronym: element
(fractal geometry, mathematics) A fractal element.
(music) A file containing a music sequence that can be played in a tracker (called also mod or music module).
(hydraulics) A contrivance for regulating the supply of water from an irrigation channel.
(astronautics) An independent self-contained unit of a spacecraft.
Usage notes
• (abelian group equipped with multiplication by an element of a ring)
For a given ring R, one speaks of an "R-module" or, equivalently, of a "module over R". R is expected to be unital.
R may also be a Lie algebra.
If K is a field, "K-module" is identical to "K-vector space".
If the ring is not commutative, scalar multiplication of a module is defined as left- and/or right-multiplication, and one refers to a "left R-module" or a "right R-module".
The concept of module is closely connected to the representation theory of groups and is central to both commutative algebra and homological algebra. Modules are also widely used in algebraic geometry and algebraic topology.
Hyponyms
• (algebraic structure, mathematics): vector space, free module, projective module, injective module
• (astronautics): command module, lunar module
Source: Wiktionary
Mod"ule, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. modulus a small measure, dim. of modus.
See Mode, and cf. Model, Modulus, Mold a matrix.]
1. A model or measure.
2. (Arch.)
Definition: The size of some one part, as the diameter of semi-diameter of
the base of a shaft, taken as a unit of measure by which the
proportions of the other parts of the composition are regulated.
Generally, for columns, the semi-diameter is taken, and divided into
a certain number of parts, called minutes (see Minute), though often
the diameter is taken, and any dimension is said to be so many
modules and minutes in height, breadth, or projection.
Mod"ule, v. t. Etym: [See module, n., Modulate.]
Definition: To model; also, to modulate. [Obs.] Sandys. Drayton.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition