Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to, composed of, or resembling a membrane: Describes something that has the characteristics, structure, or appearance of a thin, pliable layer of tissue or material.
   • Characterized by the formation of a membrane or a membrane-like structure: Used in medical and biological contexts to describe conditions or tissues where such a layer forms.

Usage and Examples

• General Descriptive Use:

  • The surgeon noted the membranous nature of the cyst wall. (The surgeon observed that the cyst wall was thin and layer-like.)
  • A membranous sac encloses the developing embryo. (A thin, sac-like layer surrounds the developing embryo.)

• Medical/Biological Use:

  • The patient was diagnosed with membranous nephropathy, a kidney disorder. (The patient was diagnosed with a kidney disorder involving the formation of abnormal layers in the filtering units.)
  • The membranous lining of the nasal cavity helps to humidify inhaled air. (The thin tissue layer inside the nasal cavity aids in adding moisture to the air we breathe in.)

Advanced Usage

• "Membranous labyrinth": In anatomy, the fluid-filled membranous sacs and ducts within the bony labyrinth of the inner ear.

  • The membranous labyrinth contains the sensory organs for hearing and balance.

• "Membranous wing": In entomology, describing an insect wing that is thin, transparent, and flexible, like a membrane.

  • Butterflies have membranous wings covered in tiny scales.

Variants and Related Words

• Membrane (noun): A thin, flexible layer of tissue or material that covers, lines, or connects structures.

  • The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.

• Membranaceous (adjective): A less common synonym for membranous, meaning having a membrane-like texture or quality.

Synonyms

• Filmy: Very thin and light, often transparent.
• Pellicular: Of or relating to a thin skin or film.
• Diaphanous: Light, delicate, and translucent.

Antonyms

• Thick: Having a large distance between opposite surfaces.
• Opaque: Not able to be seen through; not transparent.
• Solid: Firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid.

Adjective

1. characterized by formation of a membrane (or something resembling a membrane)
   • membranous gastritis
2. relating to or made of or similar to a membrane
   • membranous lining