module

Everyday

1. One separate part or unit that fits together with others to make a bigger whole, like a part of a machine or building. tree →
2. (education) A unit of a course on one topic, often with its own lessons and test: «the fractions module». tree →
3. (space) A separate part of a spacecraft: «the lunar module». tree →
4. (computers) A separate part of a program that does one job. tree →

In the lessons

In school, courses are split into modules or units. In space history, the lunar module «Eagle» landed Apollo 11 on the Moon in 1969, and the International Space Station is built of modules. In technology and building, modular homes are made from modules. In coding, programmers split programs into modules. Phrases: «a learning module», «the lunar module», «modular design».

Examples

• This term we start the module on fractions. tree →
• The lunar module landed on the Moon in 1969. tree →
• The space station is made from many modules joined together. tree →
• Each module ends with a short quiz. tree →
• The robot kit has a light-sensor module. tree →
• The house was built from factory-made modules. tree →
• Our science module is about forces. tree →
• A computer program can be split into modules. tree →

Note

Countable: one module, two modules. Adjective: modular. Pronounced «MOD-yool». Not the same as «model». In maths, «modulus» and «modular arithmetic» are related words used at higher levels (clock arithmetic).