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Membrane - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A membrane is a thin, flexible layer that separates or covers parts of a structure, such as cells or organs. It can also control the movement of substances in and out.

membrane

/ˈmɛmˌbreɪn/ /ˈmɛmbreɪn/

Definition:

A thin, flexible layer of tissue or material that separates or covers parts of an organism or structure.

Synonyms:

film, layer, sheath, partition

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

solid, bulk

Common Collocations:

cell membrane, semipermeable membrane, mucous membrane, plasma membrane

Derivatives:

membranous, membranal

Usage Tips:

Use "membrane" to describe thin biological layers or synthetic barriers in scientific or technical contexts.

Common Phrases:

break the membrane, membrane potential, lipid bilayer

Etymology:

From Latin "membrana," meaning "skin" or "parchment," derived from "membrum" (limb).

Examples:

  • 1. The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.
  • 2. She carefully peeled the thin membrane off the orange segments.
  • 3. The drum's vibrating membrane produces sound when struck.
  • 4. A plastic membrane covers the construction site to protect it from rain.
  • 5. The doctor examined the patient's mucous membranes for signs of infection.

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