Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Membrane

Mem′brane

,
Noun.
[F., fr. L.
membrana
the skin that covers the separate members of the body, fr. L.
membrum
. See
Member
.]
(Anat.)
A thin layer or fold of tissue, usually supported by a fibrous network, serving to cover or line some part or organ, and often secreting or absorbing certain fluids.
☞ The term is also often applied to the thin, expanded parts, of various texture, both in animals and vegetables.
Adventitious membrane
,
a membrane connecting parts not usually connected, or of a different texture from the ordinary connection; as, the membrane of a cicatrix.
Jacob’s membrane
.
See under
Retina
.
Mucous membranes
(Anat.)
,
the membranes lining passages and cavities which communicate with the exterior, as well as ducts and receptacles of secretion, and habitually secreting mucus.
Schneiderian membrane
.
(Anat.)
Serous membranes
(Anat.)
, the membranes, like the peritoneum and pleura, which line, or lie in, cavities having no obvious outlet, and secrete a serous fluid.

Webster 1828 Edition


Membrane

MEM'BRANE

,
Noun.
[L. membrana.] In anatomy, a thin, white, flexible skin, formed by fibers interwoven like net-work, and serving to cover some part of the body.
The term is applied to the thin expanded parts, of various texture, both in animals and vegetables.

Definition 2024


Membrane

Membrane

See also: membrane

German

Noun

Membrane f (genitive Membrane, plural Membranen)

  1. membrane

Declension

membrane

membrane

See also: Membrane

English

Noun

membrane (plural membranes)

  1. A flexible enclosing or separating tissue forming a plane or film and separating two environments (usually in a plant or animal).
  2. A mechanical, thin, flat flexible part that can deform or vibrate when excited by an external force.
  3. A flexible or semi-flexible covering or waterproofing whose primary function is to exclude water.

Derived terms

  • neomembrane

Translations


French

Noun

membrane f (plural membranes)

  1. membrane

Italian

Noun

membrane f

  1. plural of membrana