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

This leakage disrupts the blood-brain barrier, a protective membrane that separates circulating blood from the brain tissue, leading to fluid build-up and increased pressure in the brain. —New Atlas, 30 Apr. 2025

What if the girls all band together and reject me like an impermeable cellular membrane, keeping me out, unable to penetrate their circle of friendship? —Michael Nied, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025

These pits house membranes rich in heat-sensitive nerve endings, enabling the snake to detect minute temperature differences in its environment. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

The magnets drive a membrane that rapidly wiggles back and forth, pushing on the surrounding air. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 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

Rhymes for membrane

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

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