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

These membranes are a breakthrough, company leaders say, because the membranes resist fouling from organic compounds like fats, oils, grease and proteins. —Jeff Kart, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

Male bats used their abnormally large penises like an extra arm to move the females’ tail membranes out of the way. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023

Layers of merino wool, a waterproof membrane, and an open bonding make these hard-hitting gloves a sturdy choice for winter running. —Laura Holt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023

The first cell formed when some genetic material got stuck inside a membrane and was therefore distinct from its surroundings and able to act upon them. —Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 12 Nov. 2023

Reverse osmosis systems, which use a membrane to separate any impurities, are great for removing heavy metals (including lead) from water because there are multiple stages of cleaning used. —Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2023

Look for boots with a waterproof membrane that allows sweat to escape while simultaneously keeping water out. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2023

The behavior likely occurs among other bats whose females have a similar tail membrane, Orr says. —Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 21 Nov. 2023

Reheating is just as delicate: If the coral is warmed too slowly, melting ice can refreeze and tear through the cells’ outer membranes. —WIRED, 11 Nov. 2023

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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
• embryonic membrane
• basilar membrane
• inter-membrane
• fertilization membrane
• cell membrane
• periodontal membrane
• nuclear membrane
• mucous membrane
• nictitating membrane
• tympanic membrane
• serous membrane
• unit membrane
• plasma membrane
• vitelline membrane

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• basement membrane
• embryonic membrane
• basilar membrane
• inter-membrane
• fertilization membrane
• cell membrane
• periodontal membrane
• nuclear membrane
• mucous membrane
• nictitating membrane
• tympanic membrane
• serous membrane
• unit membrane
• plasma membrane
• vitelline membrane

See More

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