MEMBRANE

membrane

(noun) a thin pliable sheet of material

membrane, tissue layer

(noun) a pliable sheet of tissue that covers or lines or connects the organs or cells of animals or plants

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

membrane (plural membranes)

A flexible enclosing or separating tissue forming a plane or film and separating two environments (usually in a plant or animal).

A mechanical, thin, flat flexible part that can deform or vibrate when excited by an external force.

A flexible or semi-flexible covering or waterproofing whose primary function is to exclude water.

Source: Wiktionary

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Mem"brane, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. membrana the skin that covers the separate members of the body, fr. L. membrum. See Member.] (Anat.)

Definition: 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.

Note: 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.) See Schneiderian.

– 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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