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modular

adj.
US //ˈmɑdʒəɫɝ// UK //mˈɒdjʊlɐ// mod·u·lar
  1. 1 made of separate parts (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    made of separate parts or units that can be joined together in different ways.

    composed of standardized units or sections that allow for easy assembly, repair, or reconfiguration.

    Example

    We bought a modular sofa so we could change the layout of our living room later.

    Example

    The architect proposed a modular housing system, allowing residents to add or remove rooms as their family needs evolved over time.
  2. 2 software or hardware design (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    describes computer programs or machines made of independent pieces that work together.

    relating to a design approach where a system is divided into smaller parts that can be independently created and used in different systems.

    Example

    Modular software is easier to fix because you can update one part without breaking the rest.

    Example

    By adopting a modular architecture, the development team ensured that individual components could be tested in isolation before being integrated into the primary codebase.

    Usage

    Often used to describe code architecture or hardware components like power supplies.
    • component based
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  1. 3 mathematical systems (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    relating to a type of math where numbers wrap around after reaching a certain value, like a clock.

    relating to or based on a modulus, typically involving arithmetic where numbers reset after reaching a specific value.

    Example

    Clock time is a simple example of modular arithmetic because it resets after twelve.

    Example

    Modular arithmetic serves as the foundational logic for many modern encryption algorithms used to secure digital communications.

    Usage

    Commonly appears in the phrase 'modular arithmetic'.

Origin

From module + -ar.

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