1.1 The definitions of terms pertaining to metal connector plates provide meanings and explanations of 46 technical terms which are in common use by both the technical expert, such as the plate fabricator and user, and the non-expert architect, engineer, specification writer, building code official, and others who deal with metal connector plates in one way or another.

1.2 This terminology does not cover terms relating to the mechanical properties of the materials used for fabricating metal connector plates nor does it cover their use.

1.3 The terms are listed in alphabetic sequence. Compound terms appear in the natural spoken order. Where the definitions are adopted verbatim from other sources, they are identified and fully referenced.