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 researchers envision a continuous separation system in which lithium-rich solutions pass through membranes that preferentially transport lithium ions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Movement of the cell’s membrane – driven by its internal cytoskeleton – will bend and wrap around the invading particle, pinching off a tiny bubble that carries it inside. — Karin Wuertz-Kozak, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

The blood vessels in the membrane over the eye, the conjunctiva, were enlarged, making his eyes look red. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026

Just in time for the impending arrival of winter, New Balance has quietly upgraded the Abzorb 2010 with Gore-Tex membranes in a pack of three distinctly different colorways. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026

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