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
ˈmem-ˌbrānd How to pronounce membrane (audio)
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.
Electricity, catalysts, membranes, balance-of-plant equipment, and numerous other costs remain. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Another fun detail can be found on the vamp, which has the same series of dots signature to the sneaker but rendered merely as indents rather than full perforations — less the Gore-Tex membrane be compromised. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 But there’s also an active noise cancellation system that uses the new, very thin membrane speakers that JLR developed together with Warwick Audio that are mounted in the seat headrests. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 Common use cases include aircraft fuselages, drone wings, train exteriors, commercial truck bodies, and architectural membranes. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing membrane

Rhymes for membrane

See All Rhymes for membrane

Browse Nearby Words

membranate
membrane
membrane curing
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Cite this Entry

“Membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/membrane. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
ˈmem-ˌbrānd How to pronounce membrane (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on membrane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about membrane

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