membrane

[/ˈmembreɪn/]
nounfemininepl: membranes
membrana
1. A thin, flexible sheet-like structure that acts as a barrier or lining in biological organisms
The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.
A membrana celular controla o que entra e sai da célula.
2. A pliable sheet of material used as a barrier in construction or industrial applications
They installed a waterproof membrane under the foundation.
Instalaram uma membrana impermeável sob a fundação.
3. A thin layer of tissue that lines or encloses a part of the body
The eardrum is a delicate membrane that vibrates with sound waves.
O tímpano é uma membrana delicada que vibra com ondas sonoras.
The term 'membrana' is widely used in Brazilian and Portuguese scientific education and medical practice. In Brazil, waterproofing membranes are increasingly common in modern construction standards, making the industrial usage of this term more prevalent in everyday conversation among construction professionals.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
layersheetbarriercoating

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
membrana
Standard usage in medical and scientific contexts
São Paulo
membrana
Common in industrial and construction terminology
Portugal
membrana
Identical usage; occasionally spelled 'membrana' or 'menbrana' in older texts

Related Words

celltissuepermeablesemi-permeablebiological

Related Idioms & Phrases

semi-permeable membrane
membrane potential
cell membrane
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