membranula

noun

mem·​branu·​la

memˈbrānyələ,

-ran-

variants or less commonly membranule

ˈmembrəˌn(y)ül,

memˈbrān(ˌ)yül

plural -s

: a fine structure like a membranelle formed by the fusion of a few long cilia (as in the posterior ciliary ring of vorticellids)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, small membrane, diminutive of membrana membrane

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!