module
    n 1: one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the
         mind [syn: faculty, mental faculty, module]
    2: detachable compartment of a spacecraft
    3: computer circuit consisting of an assembly of electronic
       components (as of computer hardware)
    4: a self-contained component (unit or item) that is used in
       combination with other components

Module \Mod"ule\, n. [F., fr. L. modulus a small measure, dim.
   of modus. See Mode, and cf. Model, Modulus, Mold a
   matrix.]
   1. A model or measure.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Arch.) 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.
      [1913 Webster]

Module \Mod"ule\, v. t. [See module, n., Modulate.]
   To model; also, to modulate. [Obs.] --Sandys. --Drayton.
   [1913 Webster]

module

   1.  An independent piece of software which
   forms part of one or more larger programs.  Different
   languages have different concepts of a module but there are
   several common ideas.

   Modules are usually compiled seperately (in compiled
   languages) and provide an abstraction or information hiding
   mechanism so that a module's implementation can be changed
   without requiring any change to other modules.  In this
   respect they are similar to objects in an object-oriented
   language, though a module may contain many procedures
   and/or functions which would correspond to many objects.

   A module often has its own name space for identifiers so
   the same identifier may be used to mean different things in
   different modules.

   [Difference from package?].

   2.  An independent assembly of electronic components
   with some distinct function, e.g. a RAM module consisting of
   several RAM chips mounted on a small circuit board.

   (1997-10-27)