membranous

American  

[mem-bruh-nuhs] / ˈmɛm brə nəs /

Also membranaceous

adjective

1. consisting of, of the nature of, or resembling membrane.

2. characterized by the formation of a membrane.

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membranous British  

/ mɛmˈbreɪnəs, ˌmɛmbrəˈneɪʃəs, mɛmˈbreɪnɪəs, ˈmɛmbrənəs /

adjective

1. of or relating to a membrane

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membranous Scientific  

/ mĕm′brə-nəs /

1. Relating to, made of, or similar to a membrane.

2. Characterized by the formation of a membrane or a layer like a membrane.

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Other Word Forms

• intermembranous adjective
• membranously adverb
• semimembranous adjective
• submembranaceous adjective
• submembranous adjective

Etymology

Origin of membranous

1590–1600; membrane + -ous; compare French membraneux

Example Sentences

The organelles consist of stacks of membranous sacs that process and package proteins so that they can be transported to other parts of the cell or excreted from the cell.

From Science Daily • Feb. 29, 2024

It then must move to another membranous network in the cell called the endoplasmic reticulum.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 2023

Scientists suspect that the membranous webbing helps to deter would-be predators by making the octopus appear larger and more intimidating.

From Scientific American • Aug. 15, 2022

“Every membranous violet smear on the gritty toilet paper was proof to me that I existed. … All day I flitted from bodily need to bodily need.”

From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2018

Between the echoing blasts of fireworks, I discerned a flapping sound like the unfurling of membranous wings.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros