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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
Examples of membrane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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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
Phrases Containing membrane
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
: a thin soft flexible sheet or layer especially of a plant or animal part (as a cell, tissue, or organ)
membranous
adjective
ˈmem-brə-nəs
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
More from Merriam-Webster on membrane
Nglish: Translation of membrane for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of membrane for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about membrane
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