Word
membrane
Phoneticsmem·brane, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɛmˌbɹeɪn/
UK/mˈɛmbɹeɪn/
Definitions
01biological lining
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a thin layer of skin or tissue that covers or connects parts of the body.
n. a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ in an animal or plant.
“The eardrum is a thin membrane that vibrates when sound waves hit it.”
“The mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract serves as a primary defense mechanism by trapping inhaled pathogens and particles.”
Usage
Often used with 'mucous', 'cell', or 'plasma'.
02synthetic filter
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a thin sheet of material used to filter liquids or gases.
n. a thin, semi-permeable material used in industrial or laboratory processes to separate substances in a fluid.
“The water filter uses a special membrane to remove salt from the ocean water.”
“Advanced desalination plants utilise reverse osmosis membranes to extract potable water from high-salinity sources with high efficiency.”
03historical parchment
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Technical
n. a single sheet of parchment used in an old scroll or document.
n. a piece of parchment or vellum forming a single leaf or part of a larger roll.
“The historian carefully unrolled the ancient membrane to read the text.”
“The medieval tax records were meticulously inscribed across several membranes of sheepskin, which were then stitched together into a continuous roll.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rare and restricted to historical or archival contexts; modern speakers use 'sheet' or 'page'.
Real-World Examples
“The vocal folds —two bands of muscle and connective tissue covered in a thin mucous membrane—stretch from front to back inside the larynx.” “Therapeutic mRNAs enter cells using endosomes – sacs made of the cell’s membrane that take in materials from the cell’s environment.” “This new class of biological structure, part protein machine and part artificial membrane, expands our understanding of how cells can organize energy production.” Etymology
Late Middle English, borrowed from Latin membrāna (“skin or membrane that covers parts of the body”), from membrum (“a limb or member of the body”) + -āna. Doublet of membrana.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/membrane