'Tension member' definitions:

Definition of 'Tension member'

From: GCIDE
  • Tension \Ten"sion\, n. [L. tensio, from tendere, tensum, to stretch: cf. F. tension. See Tense, a.]
  • 1. The act of stretching or straining; the state of being stretched or strained to stiffness; the state of being bent strained; as, the tension of the muscles, tension of the larynx. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Fig.: Extreme strain of mind or excitement of feeling; intense effort. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. The degree of stretching to which a wire, cord, piece of timber, or the like, is strained by drawing it in the direction of its length; strain. --Gwilt. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Mech.) The force by which a part is pulled when forming part of any system in equilibrium or in motion; as, the tension of a srting supporting a weight equals that weight. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A device for checking the delivery of the thread in a sewing machine, so as to give the stitch the required degree of tightness. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. (Physics) Expansive force; the force with which the particles of a body, as a gas, tend to recede from each other and occupy a larger space; elastic force; elasticity; as, the tension of vapor; the tension of air. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. (Elec.) The quality in consequence of which an electric charge tends to discharge itself, as into the air by a spark, or to pass from a body of greater to one of less electrical potential. It varies as the quantity of electricity upon a given area. [1913 Webster]
  • Tension brace, or Tension member (Engin.), a brace or member designed to resist tension, or subjected to tension, in a structure.
  • Tension rod (Engin.), an iron rod used as a tension member to strengthen timber or metal framework, roofs, or the like. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Tension member'

From: GCIDE
  • Member \Mem"ber\, n. [OE. membre, F. membre, fr. L. membrum; cf. Goth. mimz flesh, Skr. mamsa.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. (Anat.) A part of an animal capable of performing a distinct office; an organ; a limb. [1913 Webster]
  • We have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office. --Rom. xii. 4. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster +PJC]
  • Compression member, Tension member (Engin.), a member, as a rod, brace, etc., which is subjected to compression or tension, respectively. [1913 Webster]