The term 'column' is defined as:

The term 'column' is defined as:

• A. a solid or build up post under a beam of point load
• B. a horizontal member spanning between walls
• C. a decorative pillar
• D. a curved brace

Answer: (A)

Understanding structural terminology for load-bearing members. A column is a vertical structural member that carries loads from above down to the foundation. It is typically a solid or built-up post located under a beam or supporting a point load, precisely describing a vertical support that transfers weight downward. The other options describe different components: a horizontal span between walls is a beam, which is not a column; a decorative pillar may look like a column but the term in practical terms refers to load-bearing function; and a curved brace is part of a frame for lateral support, not a vertical load-carrying member. So the description of a solid or built-up post under a beam or point load best captures the standard definition of a column.

Understanding structural terminology for load-bearing members. A column is a vertical structural member that carries loads from above down to the foundation. It is typically a solid or built-up post located under a beam or supporting a point load, precisely describing a vertical support that transfers weight downward. The other options describe different components: a horizontal span between walls is a beam, which is not a column; a decorative pillar may look like a column but the term in practical terms refers to load-bearing function; and a curved brace is part of a frame for lateral support, not a vertical load-carrying member. So the description of a solid or built-up post under a beam or point load best captures the standard definition of a column.