Definition of MEMBRANE (original) (raw)
1
: a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin
2
: a piece of parchment forming part of a roll
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.
Thus, if people do not live close to health facilities with intensive care units or advanced life-support technology, namely ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), they would likely be advised to stay in Omaha. —
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026 Complications of the virus can include inflammation of the brain, or encephalitis; inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, or meningitis; and inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membrane, Johns Hopkins Medicine said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026 Using a butter knife, remove thin outer membrane on back of ribs by loosening and pulling it off; discard. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 May 2026 Austrian company Tubolito is known for manufacturing bicycle inner tubes from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a high-tech material originally used for smartphone speaker membranes. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 8 May 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
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Cite this Entry
“Membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/membrane. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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