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.
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.