membrana
“membrana” means “membrane” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
membrane
Also: film, lining
📝 In Action
La membrana celular protege el interior de la célula.
B1The cell membrane protects the inside of the cell.
Hay una fina membrana que recubre el interior del huevo.
B1There is a thin membrane covering the inside of the egg.
El buceador tiene dañada la membrana del tímpano.
B2The diver has a damaged eardrum membrane.
diaphragm
Also: membrane
📝 In Action
La membrana del altavoz está rota y el sonido es malo.
B2The speaker diaphragm is broken and the sound is bad.
Prefiero los teclados mecánicos a los de membrana.
B2I prefer mechanical keyboards over membrane ones.
La bomba utiliza una membrana flexible para mover el agua.
C1The pump uses a flexible membrane to move the water.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: membrana
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the most likely place to find a 'membrana'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'membrana', which referred to skin or parchment. This comes from 'membrum', meaning 'a limb' or 'member' of the body, because the skin covers the limbs.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'membrana' only used in science class?
Not at all! While common in biology, you'll hear it when talking about headphones, speakers, keyboards, and even construction materials (like waterproof layers).
Does it have a masculine form?
No, 'membrana' is always feminine. We say 'la membrana' and 'las membranas'.
What is the difference between 'membrana' and 'capa'?
A 'capa' is a general word for any layer (like a layer of cake or paint). A 'membrana' is specifically a very thin, flexible layer that usually separates or protects two things.