membrane

noun

mem·​brane ˈmem-ˌbrān How to pronounce membrane (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Already, the test has been effective at identifying the cause of neurological infections such as meningitis and encephalitis (swelling of the brain or its surrounding membranes), according to one of the new studies, published Tuesday in the journal Nature Medicine. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 The boot’s waterproof, breathable, and insulating Gore-Tex membrane kept our testers’ feet warm and dry during their messiest, longest winter hikes. Svati Kirsten Narula, Outside Online, 25 Oct. 2024 Because high pressure also slows a membrane’s flow, many biologists assumed that deep-sea membranes were built the same way. Yasemin Saplakoglu, WIRED, 20 Oct. 2024 Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of this membrane, which can lead to red, itchy and watery eyes. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for membrane 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of membrane was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near membrane

Cite this Entry

“Membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/membrane. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

membrane

noun
mem·​brane ˈmem-ˌbrān How to pronounce membrane (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce membrane (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on membrane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!