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

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membraned

play \ˈmem-ˌbrānd\ adjective

See membrane defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of membrane from the Web

The tile, depending on how it was installed and what is underneath, could cause long-term damage to the balcony membrane.

— kelly g. richardson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "HOA Homefront: It’s my balcony and my vine, right?," 26 Aug. 2017
The fossilized remains of two species include traces of fur as well as hints of skin membranes used to parachute from one perch to another.

— sid perkins, Science | AAAS, "Meet the mammals that soared through Jurassic skies," 9 Aug. 2017
According to Gundry, the problem is lectins, a type of protein found mostly in plants that bind to cell membranes, damaging them.

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "Are your health problems not your fault? That's what this new book says," 3 Aug. 2017
Most cellular membranes on Earth also include fat-like molecules called lipids, but these lipid layers can't survive in cryogenic methane.

— shannon stirone, Popular Mechanics, "Chemical on Saturn's Moon Titan Could Form Cell Membranes," 28 July 2017
Second is across the mucous membranes and the third fastest is in the digestive system.

— justin madden, cleveland.com, "Cleveland officer's possible fentanyl exposure highlights drug's threat to police, children," 19 July 2017
The clot could have been in one of several locations: between the skull and the dura, the membrane that covers the brain; between the dura and surface of the brain; or inside the brain itself.

— robert pear, The Seattle Times, "McCain’s blood clot surgery may be more serious than thought, experts say," 16 July 2017
The clot could have been in one of several locations: between the skull and the dura, the membrane that covers the brain; between the dura and surface of the brain; or inside the brain itself.

— denise grady and robert pear, New York Times, "McCain’s Surgery May Be More Serious Than Thought, Experts Say," 16 July 2017
The skeleton was visible, his left eye was gone, his brain was exposed, only protected by a gossamer-thin membrane known as the meninges.

— allie gross, Detroit Free Press, "Beaumont plastic surgeon takes cases others said couldn't be done," 15 July 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

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membraned

play \ˈmem-ˌbrānd\ adjective

Learn More about membrane

Spanish Central: Translation of membrane Nglish: Translation of membrane for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of membrane for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about membrane

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Definition of membrane

membraned

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Origin and Etymology of membrane

MEMBRANE Defined for English Language Learners

membrane

Definition of membrane for English Language Learners

MEMBRANE Defined for Kids

membrane

Definition of membrane for Students

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membrane

medical Definition of membrane

membraned

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