Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.