Compression member

Member \Mem"ber\, n. [OE. membre, F. membre, fr. L. membrum; cf.
   Goth. mimz flesh, Skr. mamsa.]
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   1. (Anat.) A part of an animal capable of performing a
      distinct office; an organ; a limb.
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            We have many members in one body, and all members
            have not the same office.             --Rom. xii. 4.
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   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.
      (f) (Math.) one of the elements which, taken together,
          comprise a set.
      (g) (Math.) one of the individual objects which comprise a
          group or class.
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   {Compression member}, {Tension member} (Engin.), a member, as
      a rod, brace, etc., which is subjected to compression or
      tension, respectively.
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