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

Instead of passing through us, some particles move across the thin membrane lining our gut and eventually find their way into the bloodstream. —Will Stone, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024

The wire runs along the catalyst layer, then pierces the ePTFE membrane to connect to the current collector in the back of the electrode. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2024

Gore-Tex and others creating membranes design the layer so the microscopic holes are large enough to allow vapor to release from the inside, but small enough that water droplets can’t penetrate. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Score it: Score the pomegranate peel following the membranes. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 10 Dec. 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