A membraneA very thin covering or barrier found around cells, organs, or other things. is a thin sheet or layer that covers, lines, or separatesDivides one thing from another, keeping them apart. something. It is used most often for the thin tissue around cells or organs, but it can also mean a thin flexibleAble to bend easily without breaking or staying rigid. material in general.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈmɛmˌbreɪn/
Easy pronunciation: MEM-brayn (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: MEM.
Biological sense: a thin tissue layer in a body, cell, or plant.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Membrane Meaning
A thin layer of tissue in a body or plant.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A pliable sheet of tissue that covers, lines, or connects the organs or cells of animals or plants.
Example: The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- tissue layer — A close match for the biological sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Membrane
Meaning 2
A thin flexible sheet made from a material.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A thin pliable sheet of material.
Example: The instrument was covered with a thin membrane.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Membrane Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- tissue layer
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes use membrane to mean any covering, but it usually refers to a thin sheet or layer.
- Do not confuse membrane with membrane-like words used for barriers, skins, or films unless they really mean the same thing in context.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does membrane mean?
Membrane usually means a thin sheet or layer, especially a body tissue that covers, lines, or separates parts of plants and animals.
What is a simple definition of membrane?
It is a thin layer or sheet, often of tissue.
What are synonyms for membrane?
For the main biological sense, a close synonym is tissue layer.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.