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 rib cage shields the lungs, and the pleura is a protective membrane that covers and cushions them. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Made with an abrasion-resistant outsole, a rubber toe bumper, an airy foam footbed, and a breathable waterproof membrane, these shoes will keep your feet feeling fresh even after long treks over rocks and through shallow streams. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 30 Sep. 2024

This consists of two half cells separated by a porous or an ion-exchange membrane. —Kat Friedrich, Ars Technica, 20 Sep. 2024

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

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