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member

1. (Science: anatomy) 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 part of a discourse or of a period or sentence; a clause; a part of a verse.

(Science: mathematics) Any part of a building, whether constructional, as a pier, column, lintel, or the like, or decorative, as a molding, or group of moldings.

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.

(Science: engineering) compression member, tension member, a member, as a rod, brace, etc, which is subjected to compression or tension, respectively.

Origin: OE. Membre, F. Membre, fr. L. Membrum; cf. Goth. Mimz flesh, Skr. Mamsa.