Membranes: meaning, definitions and examples

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membranes

[ˈmɛmˌbreɪnz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

biological

Thin pliable sheet-like structures that cover or line a part of the body or separate one area from another. Membranes are found in various organs and systems in the body, such as the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Synonyms

barriers, tissue layers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
membranes	Repeated word; see the above entry for 'membranes'.
tissue layers	Used in a medical or biological context to describe multiple layers of tissue in an organism or part of an organism. The surgeon carefully examined the tissue layers to find the source of the problem
barriers	Used in both literal and figurative contexts to refer to obstacles or things that block movement or access. The safety barriers were put in place to prevent accidents on the construction site

Word

Description / Examples

membranes

Repeated word; see the above entry for 'membranes'.

tissue layers

Used in a medical or biological context to describe multiple layers of tissue in an organism or part of an organism.

The surgeon carefully examined the tissue layers to find the source of the problem

barriers

Used in both literal and figurative contexts to refer to obstacles or things that block movement or access.

The safety barriers were put in place to prevent accidents on the construction site

Examples of usage

The mucous membranes in the nose help to trap dust and bacteria.
The cell membranes control the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

architecture

A thin, pliable sheet material used in construction to separate or connect different spaces. Membranes can be made from various materials such as fabric, plastic, or metal.

Synonyms

divider, partition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
membranes	Used primarily in biological or scientific contexts to describe a thin, flexible layer of tissue or material that separates spaces or substances. The cell membranes control what enters and exits the cell We used synthetic membranes in the filtration experiment
partition	Often used in architectural or computing contexts to describe a structure or element that divides space or data into separate parts. The office cubicles are separated by glass partitions We need to partition the hard drive to install another operating system
divider	Commonly used in everyday situations or office environments to describe an object or barrier that separates spaces or items, usually less formal or technical. We used a room divider to create separate working areas The drawer divider helped organize utensils in the kitchen

Word

Description / Examples

membranes

Used primarily in biological or scientific contexts to describe a thin, flexible layer of tissue or material that separates spaces or substances.

The cell membranes control what enters and exits the cell
We used synthetic membranes in the filtration experiment

partition

Often used in architectural or computing contexts to describe a structure or element that divides space or data into separate parts.

The office cubicles are separated by glass partitions
We need to partition the hard drive to install another operating system

divider

Commonly used in everyday situations or office environments to describe an object or barrier that separates spaces or items, usually less formal or technical.

We used a room divider to create separate working areas
The drawer divider helped organize utensils in the kitchen

Examples of usage

The membrane of the inflatable structure allows for flexibility and movement.
The tension membrane roof provides a unique architectural design.

Interesting Facts

Biology

Membranes are vital for all living cells, acting as barriers that regulate what enters and exits, keeping the environment stable.
The cell membrane is primarily made of lipids and proteins, forming a bilayer that allows essential substances to pass through while blocking harmful ones.

Chemistry

In chemistry, membranes can be semi-permeable, meaning they allow some molecules to pass while keeping others out, which is essential for processes like osmosis.
Membranes can be artificially created for use in water purification and separation technologies, showcasing their importance beyond biology.

Medicine

In medical terms, membranes can refer to protective layers around organs, such as the pleural membrane around the lungs, helping to reduce friction.
Understanding membranes is crucial for drug delivery systems, where thin layers can control how medications are released into the body.

Technology

In technology, membranes are used in fuel cells, which convert chemical energy into electrical energy while separating different substances.
Membrane technology is key in industries like food processing, aiding in the filtration and concentration of liquids for better preservation.

Environmental Science

Natural membranes are important in ecosystems, as they facilitate the exchange of nutrients and waste in microbial communities.
Biomimetic membranes, which mimic natural ones, are explored for their potential in sustainable energy and water treatment solutions.

Translations

Translations of the word "membranes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 membranas

🇮🇳 झिल्लियों

🇩🇪 Membranen

🇮🇩 membran

🇺🇦 мембрани

🇵🇱 membrany

🇯🇵 膜（まく）

🇫🇷 membranes

🇪🇸 membranas

🇹🇷 membranlar

🇰🇷 막

🇸🇦 الأغشية

🇨🇿 membrány

🇸🇰 membrány

🇨🇳 膜

🇸🇮 membrane

🇮🇸 himnur

🇰🇿 мембраналар

🇬🇪 მემბრანები

🇦🇿 membranlar

🇲🇽 membranas

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,053 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6050 matched
6051 financed
6052 restrict
6053 membranes
6054 disabilities
6055 lifting
6056 trauma
...