modular
Built from parts
Modular describes something composed of separate, interchangeable units that can be combined, rearranged, or replaced independently.
A modular sofa consists of pieces that configure in various ways.
Modular design allows systems to be upgraded part by part rather than replaced entirely.
In music, modular synthesizers use discrete components patched together.
The appeal of modularity is flexibility—swap out one piece without disrupting the whole.
Individual part or measure
Able to be adjusted
- scalableAble to increase capacity
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
- upgradableAble to be enhanced
- expandableAble to be enlarged
adjustable · personalized · tailored · flexible · extensible · add-on · modifiable · reconfigurable
Able to be exchanged
- plug-and-playRequiring no manual configuration
- replaceableAble to be exchanged
- detachableAble to be unfastened
- removableCapable of being detached
standardized · compatible · universal · hot-swappable · snap-in · quick-release · exchangeable · substitutable
Pre-assembled building
- factory-builtManufactured at a facility
- offsiteAt another location
- panelizedConstructed from prefab sections
- volumetricRelating to capacity measurement
kit · sectional · flat-pack · transportable · relocatable · manufactured · portable · knockdown
Building design discipline
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- platformRaised flat structure
- integrationCombining into a whole
- subsystemComponent within larger system
interface · network · protocol · interoperability · API · microservices · middleware · abstraction
unit
Individual part or measure
panel · element · piece · part · chunk · tile · brick · slab · cell · node
configurable
Able to be adjusted
- scalableAble to increase capacity
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
- upgradableAble to be enhanced
expandable · adjustable · personalized · tailored · flexible · extensible · add-on · modifiable · reconfigurable
swappable
Able to be exchanged
- plug-and-playRequiring no manual configuration
- replaceableAble to be exchanged
- detachableAble to be unfastened
removable · standardized · compatible · universal · hot-swappable · snap-in · quick-release · exchangeable · substitutable · retrofittable
prefab
Pre-assembled building
- factory-builtManufactured at a facility
- offsiteAt another location
- panelizedConstructed from prefab sections
volumetric · kit · sectional · flat-pack · transportable · relocatable · manufactured · portable · knockdown
architecture
Building design discipline
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- platformRaised flat structure
- integrationCombining into a whole
subsystem · interface · network · protocol · interoperability · API · microservices · middleware · abstraction · encapsulation
plug-in
Supplementary software component
construct · assemble · setup · join · integrate · mount · attach · link · dock · stack
- furniture termsseating, tables, storage, beds, desks
- structural patternsarch, helix, spiral, lattice, fold
- buildingshouse, hospital, hotel, school, bank
- Building Adjectivesangular, arched, columned, domed, vaulted
- furniture traitswooden, upholstered, cushioned, padded, comfortable
- gear featuresdurable, adjustable, breathable, lightweight, waterproof
modularmonolithic
Massive and undifferentiated
integrated · unified · unitary · indivisible · one-piece
modularcustom
Habitual group practice
bespoke · proprietary · nonstandard · incompatible · custom-built
- lunar moduleSpacecraft for surface landings
- modular homesDwellings made in sections
- command moduleSpacecraft's control and living section
- modular furnitureInterchangeable home pieces
- modular designSystem of interchangeable parts
- memory module
module, modulate, modulation, modules, modulus, modularity, modulo, modularized, modularize