membrane
Low C1Formal / Technical / Academic / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A thin, flexible layer of tissue or material that separates two spaces, acts as a barrier, or lines an organ.
In technology, a thin sheet acting as a selective barrier or semipermeable surface, e.g., in filters or sound transducers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In scientific contexts, the term implies a dynamic, often semi-permeable barrier, not just a static layer. In everyday use, it's often associated with thin, filmy, or delicate materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; minor potential variation in technical terminology (e.g., 'tympanic membrane' is standard in both).
Connotations
Identical. Both associate it primarily with biology and technology.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in historical biological contexts, but modern usage is identical.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[membrane] + of + [noun] (membrane of the cell)[adjective] + membrane (permeable membrane)membrane + [verb] (the membrane ruptured)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like biomedical engineering or filtration ('Our new membrane filter technology...').
Academic
Very common in biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering texts. It is a core technical term.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used when discussing biology, health (eardrum), or waterproof clothing ('membrane jacket').
Technical
Ubiquitous. Refers to selective barriers in cells, chemical processes, acoustic devices, and waterproof materials.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tissue was carefully membraned to expose the underlying structure. (Rare, technical)
American English
- The engineer membraned the surface with a polymer layer. (Rare, technical)
adjective
British English
- The membrane-bound compartment is crucial for cellular function.
American English
- The membrane keyboard was less expensive but also less tactile.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor said my ear infection affected the membrane inside.
- The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- Advanced water purification relies on a semipermeable membrane to filter out contaminants at the molecular level.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MEMbrane as a thin MEMbrane that remembers (MEM-) its job to separate things, like a brain (brain) for a cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOUNDARY / GATEKEEPER (controls what enters and exits); A SKIN / WRAPPING (encloses and protects an inner space).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'мембрана' for all contexts; in non-scientific everyday speech, 'плёнка' or 'перепонка' might be more appropriate.
- The Russian 'мембрана' is equally technical; don't overuse it in general descriptions.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation: /'membrən/ or /mem'breɪn/. Stress is on the first syllable.
- Confusing 'membrane' with 'membrane keyboard', where it refers to a specific technology, not a biological layer.
- Using it as a countable noun for uncountable concepts (e.g., 'a membrane of plastic' is odd; 'a plastic membrane' or 'a membrane made of plastic' is better).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is 'membrane' LEAST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its most common use is in biology (cell membrane), it is also used in chemistry, engineering, acoustics, and materials science (e.g., filtration membranes, waterproof membranes in clothing).
A 'membrane' often implies a selective or functional barrier, especially in living systems or technology. A 'film' is a broader term for any very thin layer and does not necessarily imply selective permeability or a biological function.
Specify its type and function. E.g., 'The plasma membrane, a lipid bilayer, maintains cellular homeostasis by regulating ion passage.'
Rarely and only in highly technical contexts (e.g., 'to membrane a surface'). It is not standard in general English. The noun form is overwhelmingly dominant.