membrane

noun

mem·​brane ˈmem-ˌbrān 

1

: a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin

2

: a piece of parchment forming part of a roll

membraned

ˈmem-ˌbrānd 

adjective

Examples of membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The conjunctiva is a thin and clear membrane that lines the inside of your eyelid and the white part of your eye. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

On top of all that, these boots are equipped with the same waterproof, breathable membrane that the company’s adult shoes are lined with, to help keep feet dry in rainstorms and during mellow stream crossings. —Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 18 Oct. 2024

Another essential part of a cell is the membrane that encloses it. —Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

These blast through the outer membrane of the prey cell, spilling its innards, which Aureispira can then gobble up. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin membrana skin, parchment, from membrum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing membrane

• basement membrane
• basilar membrane
• cell membrane
• embryonic membrane
• fertilization membrane
• inter-membrane
• mucous membrane
• nictitating membrane
• nuclear membrane
• periodontal membrane
• plasma membrane
• serous membrane
• tympanic membrane
• unit membrane
• vitelline membrane

Kids Definition

membrane

noun

mem·​brane ˈmem-ˌbrān 

: a thin soft flexible sheet or layer especially of a plant or animal part (as a cell, tissue, or organ)

membranous

ˈmem-brə-nəs

adjective

Medical Definition

membrane

noun

mem·​brane ˈmem-ˌbrān 

1

: a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin

2

: a limiting protoplasmic surface or interface see nuclear membrane, plasma membrane

membraned

ˈmem-ˌbrānd 

adjective