membrane

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noun mem·brane \ˈmem-ˌbrān\

Definition of membrane

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

play \ˈmem-ˌbrānd\ adjective

See membrane defined for English-language learners

See membrane defined for kids

Recent Examples of membrane from the Web

With any rack, remove the membrane on the underside of the ribs, next to the bone.

— noelle carter, latimes.com, "Ribs 101: How to cook ribs like a pro this summer", 30 June 2017
Using a dull dinner knife, slide the tip under the membrane covering the back of each rack of ribs.

— louisa chu, chicagotribune.com, "5 essential elements of barbecue from master griller Jamie Purviance", 26 June 2017
The membranes are pumped with fluid like a balloon being inflated, and finally surrounded by a shell.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Why Are Bird Eggs Egg-Shaped? An Eggsplainer", 22 June 2017
A 1999 study found that piracetam had beneficial effects on the hippocampal membranes of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

— sara solovitch, Washington Post, "Tweaking brains with ‘smart drugs’ to get ahead in Silicon Valley", 11 June 2017
Rabies virus can be transmitted when an infected bat bites or scratches a person (or pet), or comes into contact with mucous membranes in a person’s eyes or mouth, according to state health officials.

— bob young, The Seattle Times, "Rabies has been found in 2 bats, Snohomish County says in warning", 9 June 2017
Slice top from peppers and carefully remove membrane and seeds.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "NOPSI recipes stir memories, prompt questions from our readers", 2 June 2017
There are none of the latter on the island, which has been sealed off from history and the rest of the world by a magic membrane.

— a. o. scott, New York Times, "Review: ‘Wonder Woman’ Is a Blockbuster That Lets Itself Have Fun", 31 May 2017
But the scientists found that endosomal NK1 can be turned off by inhibitors attached to lipids called cholestanols that cross the cell membrane to reach the endosomes.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Blocking chronic pain that's currently out of drugs' reach", 31 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'membrane'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of membrane

Middle English, from Latin membrana skin, parchment, from membrum

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First Known Use: 15th century

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MEMBRANE Defined for English Language Learners

membrane

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noun

Definition of membrane for English Language Learners

: a thin sheet or layer; especially : a thin sheet or layer of tissue that is part of a plant or an animal's body

MEMBRANE Defined for Kids

membrane

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noun mem·brane \ˈmem-ˌbrān\

Definition of membrane for Students

: a thin soft flexible layer especially of animal or plant tissue mucous membranes

Medical Dictionary

membrane

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noun mem·brane \ˈmem-ˌbrān\

Medical Definition of membrane

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