vitelline membrane

noun

: a membrane enclosing an egg that comprises the zona pellucida in mammals and that upon fertilization splits off from the surface of the egg forming a fertilization membrane in many invertebrates and amphibians and in some fish

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitelline membrane was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near vitelline membrane

Cite this Entry

“Vitelline membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitelline%20membrane. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

vitelline membrane

noun
vi·​tel·​line membrane
vī-ˈtel-ən-,
-ˌēn-,
-ˌīn-
: a membrane that encloses an egg and that in mammals is a thick transparent noncellular layer

Medical Definition

vitelline membrane

noun
: a membrane enclosing the egg proper and corresponding to the plasma membrane of an ordinary cell

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