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 face fabrics and waterproof membranes are always high quality, the fit is perfect, and the designs are never overdone. —Jakob Schiller, Outside, 16 Feb. 2026

Time draws these kids osmotically through a membrane, turning them into things like us, adults captured by the brittle carapaces of our egos. —Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026

They’re lined with a cozy layer of polyester fleece and have a sturdy outer shell made of nylon and spandex coated in a rubber-like TPU membrane. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

In hindsight, 2016 feels like the moment our collective understanding of the world tore like the membrane of a balloon popping. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 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