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 fabric is a beefy, hard-wearing three-layer polyester with an Intuitive membrane that scores a 20K/20K waterproof and breathable rating. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024

Advanced Filtration Technologies The introduction of advanced filtration technologies, such as membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes, marks a significant step forward. —Dan Kelly, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

The team also confirmed that the links were indeed made of membrane lipids and not protein, which would instead suggest pili. —Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025

Using your fingers, lightly agitate the seeds to loosen them from the membrane. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025

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