Member \Mem"ber\, n. [OE. membre, F. membre, fr. L. membrum; cf.
Goth. mimz flesh, Skr. mamsa.]
1. (Anat.) A part of an animal capable of performing a
distinct office; an organ; a limb.
We have many members in one body, and all members
have not the same office. --Rom. xii. 4.
2. Hence, a part of a whole; an independent constituent of a
body; as:
(a) A part of a discourse or of a period or sentence; a
clause; a part of a verse.
(b) (Math.) Either of the two parts of an algebraic
equation, connected by the sign of equality.
(c) (Engin.) Any essential part, as a post, tie rod,
strut, etc., of a framed structure, as a bridge truss.
(d) (Arch.) Any part of a building, whether
constructional, as a pier, column, lintel, or the
like, or decorative, as a molding, or group of
moldings.
(e) One of the persons composing a society, community, or
the like; an individual forming part of an
association; as, a member of the society of Friends.
Compression member, Tension member (Engin.), a member, as
a rod, brace, etc., which is subjected to compression or
tension, respectively.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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