membrane
UK: ˈmɛmbreɪn | US: ˈmɛmbreɪn
n. a thin, pliable layer of tissue or material that separates or connects structures in an organism.
n. (in physics/chemistry) a flexible barrier regulating the passage of substances.
membrane = mem<skin> + brane<layer>
- mem<skin>: From Latin membrana (parchment, skin), derived from membrum (limb, part of the body).
- brane<layer>: A variant of the Latin suffix -ana, denoting connection or function.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin membrana, originally referring to parchment (made from animal skin) and later generalized to thin, flexible layers in biology. The morpheme mem reflects its association with organic coverings, while brane evolved to signify structural layers. This dual logic—linking skin-like flexibility to functional separation—explains its modern scientific usage.
The cell membrane controls the movement of nutrients.
A thin membrane covers the surface of the egg yolk.
Engineers designed a synthetic membrane for water filtration.
The eardrum is a delicate membrane in the ear.
Light passes through the semipermeable membrane.