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cell membrane
noun
plural cell membranes
: a membrane of a cell
especially
: a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm consisting of a fluid phospholipid bilayer with intercalated proteins : plasma membrane
Despite being much maligned in the popular press, cholesterol plays a crucial role in organizing cell membranes and controlling their physical properties. —Amanda Yarnell
… a cascade of reactions culminating in the transfer of a phosphate group to a protein complex that carries ions across the cell membrane. —Science News
Examples of cell membrane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To accomplish this, experts first create extremely tiny holes only a few nanometers wide in the bacteria’s cell membrane.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2024
The reason is that simulating the brain on a conventional computer requires billions of differential equations coupled together to describe the dynamics of cells and networks: analog processes like the movement of charges across a cell membrane.
—IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2017
It was known that lipids are sensitive to pressure, so cell membranes were a prime target for investigation.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, WIRED, 20 Oct. 2024
Choline is a nutrient that supports important functions in the body, like facilitating a healthy metabolism and building cell membranes.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 9 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1840, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near cell membrane
Cite this Entry
“Cell membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cell%20membrane. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
cell membrane
noun
: a semipermeable outside layer surrounding the contents of a cell
Medical Definition
cell membrane
noun
: a membrane of a cell
especially
: plasma membrane
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