MODULE (

See also:

• LAT

Lat. modulus, a measure)  , in architecture, the semi-diameter of the column at its base; the term was first set forth by Vitruvius (iv . 3), and was generally employed by the architects of the Italian revival to determine the relative proportions of the various parts of a columnar ordinance . The module was divided by the revivalists into thirty parts, called minutes, allowing of much greater accuracy than was thought necessary by Vitruvius, whose subdivision was usually six parts . The tendency now is to adopt the whole diameter instead of the semi-diameter when determining the height of the column or entablature or any of their subdivisions . The term module is also applied in hydraulics (q.v.) to a contrivance for regulating the supply of water from an irrigation channel .