membrane

noun

mem·​brane ˈmem-ˌbrān How to pronounce membrane (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself, affecting the synovial tissue lining membranes in the joints throughout the body. Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025 Cyanosis, or a blueish tint to the skin and mucus membranes, caused by inadequate oxygen in the blood. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 According to the brand, the slightest temperature variation changes the volume of the gas, causing the membrane to expand and contract — and wind the spring. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025 Children often first show signs of malaise and a fever, followed later by reddish, irritated eyes, a cough and a stuffy nose as the mucus membranes and nasal passages become inflamed. Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for membrane

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of membrane was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/membrane. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

membrane

noun
mem·​brane ˈmem-ˌbrān How to pronounce membrane (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce membrane (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on membrane

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