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membrane

Pronunciation: /ˈmɛmbreɪn/
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Definition of membrane

noun

Anatomy & Zoology
  • a pliable sheet-like structure acting as a boundary, lining, or partition in an organism: the nucleus is a distinct region with a membrane around it [with modifier]:the mucous membrane
  • a thin pliable sheet of material forming a barrier or lining: the concrete should include a membrane to prevent rising damp
  • Biology a microscopic double layer of lipids and proteins forming the boundary of cells or organelles.

Derivatives

membranaceous

Pronunciation: /mɛmbrəˈneɪʃəs/
adjective

membraneous

Pronunciation: /mɛmˈbreɪnɪəs/
adjective

membranous

Pronunciation: /ˈmɛmbrənəs/
adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin membrana, from membrum 'limb'

membrane in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of membrane in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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