2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Membrane  \Mem"brane\,  n.  [F.,  fr  L.  membrana  the  skin  that 
  covers  the  separate  members  of  the  body,  fr  L.  membrum  See 
  {Member}.]  (Anat.) 
  A  thin  layer  or  fold  of  tissue,  usually  supported  by  a 
  fibrous  network,  serving  to  cover  or  line  some  part  or  organ, 
  and  often  secreting  or  absorbing  certain  fluids. 
 
  Note:  The  term  is  also  often  applied  to  the  thin,  expanded 
  parts  of  various  texture,  both  in  animals  and 
  vegetables. 
 
  {Adventitious  membrane},  a  membrane  connecting  parts  not 
  usually  connected,  or  of  a  different  texture  from  the 
  ordinary  connection;  as  the  membrane  of  a  cicatrix. 
 
  {Jacob's  membrane}.  See  under  {Retina}. 
 
  {Mucous  membranes}  (Anat.),  the  membranes  lining  passages  and 
  cavities  which  communicate  with  the  exterior,  as  well  as 
  ducts  and  receptacles  of  secretion,  and  habitually 
  secreting  mucus. 
 
  {Schneiderian  membrane}.  (Anat.)  See  {Schneiderian}. 
 
  {Serous  membranes}  (Anat.),  the  membranes,  like  the 
  peritoneum  and  pleura,  which  line  or  lie  in  cavities 
  having  no  obvious  outlet,  and  secrete  a  serous  fluid. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  membrane 
  n  1:  a  thin  pliable  sheet  of  material 
  2:  a  pliable  sheet  of  tissue  that  covers  or  lines  or  connects 
  organs  or  cells  of  animals  or  plants  [syn:  {tissue  layer}] 

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