membrane

[mem-breyn]

noun

1. Anatomy.,  a thin, pliable sheet or layer of animal or vegetable tissue, serving to line an organ, connect parts, etc.

2. Cell Biology.,  the thin, limiting covering of a cell or cell part.

membrane

/ ˈmɛmbreɪn /

noun

1. any thin pliable sheet of material

2. a pliable sheetlike usually fibrous tissue that covers, lines, or connects plant and animal organs or cells

3. biology a double layer of lipid, containing some proteins, that surrounds biological cells and some of their internal structures

4. physics a two-dimensional entity postulated as a fundamental constituent of matter in superstring theories of particle physics

5. a skin of parchment forming part of a roll

membrane

1. A thin, flexible layer of tissue that covers, lines, separates, or connects cells or parts of an organism. Membranes are usually made of layers of phospholipids containing suspended protein molecules and are permeable to water and fat-soluble substances.

2. See cell membrane

3. Chemistry,  A thin sheet of natural or synthetic material that is permeable to substances in solution.

Other Word Forms

• membraneless adjective
• intermembrane adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of membrane¹

1375–1425; late Middle English; Middle English membraan parchment < Latin membrāna. See member, -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of membrane¹

C16: from Latin membrāna skin covering a part of the body, from membrum _member

Example Sentences

The eggs hatch into maggots which burrow into the wound or the membrane, feeding on the living flesh.

From BBC

The ammonia gas irritates the nasal membranes, causing a reflex that increases breathing and heart rate.

From Los Angeles Times

These lenses contained a fluid-filled membrane, which when compressed in response to dial adjustments would alter its curvature.

From BBC

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be serious if not treated quickly.

From BBC

Inhalation of selenium vapors may also cause dizziness, fatigue, irritation of the mucous membranes and respiratory effects.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sheath 
• sheet