cell membrane — A thin flexible barrier that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A thin flexible barrier that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell
Pronunciation (IPA): /sɛl ˈmɛmbreɪn/
Example Sentences
- The scientist discovered that chocolate molecules were too large to pass through the cell membrane, explaining why we can't inject happiness directly into our cells.
- The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, much like a bouncer at an exclusive club.
- Damage to the cell membrane can lead to cell death and various diseases.
cell membrane
NOUN[/sɛl ˈmɛmbreɪn/]
A thin flexible barrier that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell
The cell membrane decides what enters and exits the tiny cell.
The membrane train filters passengers at the brain station!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Cell derives from Latin cella, meaning 'small room' or 'chamber,' while membrane comes from Latin membrana, meaning 'parchment' or 'thin skin.' The compound term evokes the image of a delicate boundary enclosing a confined space, much like a thin wall surrounding a chamber.
Breakdown
cell (from Latin cella, small room/chamber) + membrane (from Latin membrana, parchment/thin skin). Together they describe the thin lipid barrier that encloses and defines the cellular compartment.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The scientist discovered that chocolate molecules were too large to pass through the cell membrane, explaining why we can't inject happiness directly into our cells.”
“The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, much like a bouncer at an exclusive club.”
“Damage to the cell membrane can lead to cell death and various diseases.”
📚Related Words
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