noun
Uncommon
membrane
MEHM-brayn
Membrane (noun) means a thin, flexible layer of tissue that lines or separates parts of an organism. Example: “The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell.”
noun
1
A thin, flexible layer of tissue that lines or separates parts of an organism.
"The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell."
"A thin membrane lines the inside of the nose and keeps it moist."
"Biology students examined a membrane from an onion under the microscope."
2
A thin flexible sheet used as a barrier or covering, such as a waterproofing layer in construction.
"A waterproof membrane was fitted under the roof tiles."
"The builders laid a membrane across the flat roof to stop leaks."
"A breathable membrane in the jacket keeps rain out while letting sweat escape."
How to use membrane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin, flexible layer that covers or separates something — used both biologically (cell membranes) and in building materials.
Common pairings
cell membrane
mucous membrane
waterproof membrane
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Word forms
- Plural
- membranes
Fill the gap
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The cell _____ controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Etymology
From Latin membrana ("skin covering a body part"), from membrum ("limb, body part").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for membrane
See all rhymes for membrane →Frequently asked questions
What does “membrane” mean?
The word “membrane” means a thin, flexible layer of tissue that lines or separates parts of an organism. In plain terms, a thin, flexible layer that covers or separates something — used both biologically (cell membranes) and in building materials.
How do you pronounce “membrane”?
“Membrane” is pronounced MEHM-brayn (/ˈmɛm.bɹeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “membrane” in a sentence?
Here is “membrane” used in a sentence: “The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell.”
What part of speech is “membrane”?
“Membrane” is a noun.
Where does the word “membrane” come from?
The word “membrane” comes from Latin. From Latin membrana ("skin covering a body part"), from membrum ("limb, body part").
Is “membrane” a common word?
“Membrane” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “membrane” have?
“Membrane” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin, flexible layer of tissue that lines or separates parts of an organism.
What is the difference between a membrane and tissue?
A membrane is specifically a thin, flexible layer that lines or separates parts of an organism, such as a cell membrane or mucous membrane. Tissue is a broader biological term for any group of similar cells performing a function together, and a membrane is just one particular form that tissue can take.
What is a waterproofing membrane in construction?
A waterproofing membrane is a thin flexible sheet used as a barrier to keep moisture out of a structure, commonly installed under roofing, flooring, or foundations. This is a non-biological use of the same word, applying the general idea of a thin protective sheet to building materials.
What is the difference between a membrane and a barrier?
Membrane specifically describes a thin, flexible sheet-like layer, while barrier is a more general term for anything that blocks or separates, thin or thick, flexible or rigid. Every membrane can act as a barrier, but not every barrier is a membrane.
