Definition of modular

The word "modular" originates from the Latin word "modulus," meaning "measure" or "standard." In the 16th century, the term "modulus" referred to a unit of measurement or a standard quantity. From there, the term evolved to describe something that is composed of distinct, standardized units or components that can be combined to form a larger whole. In the 18th century, the concept of "modular arithmetic" emerged, where numbers are divided into distinct units or "modules" for ease of calculation. This concept soon spread to other fields, such as architecture, where buildings were designed to be composed of repeating modules or building blocks. Today, the term "modular" encompasses a wide range of applications, from architecture to electronics to software development, describing systems, designs, or processes that are composed of interchangeable, standardized components.