membrana

membrane

noun mem-BRAH-nah Rare

Origin: From Latin membrana (skin, parchment).

Usage Note

Membrana is used across biology, anatomy, and physics: membrana celular (cell membrane), membrana timpánica (eardrum). The adjective membranoso describes something membrane-like. It is a feminine noun ending in -a, which follows the predictable pattern, but the internal -mb- cluster distinguishes its pronunciation from similar-looking words.

Examples

"La membrana celular regula el paso de sustancias."

Natural Translation

The cell membrane regulates the passage of substances.

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