cell membrane
noun Biology.
the semipermeable membrane enclosing the cytoplasm of a cell.
Origin of cell membrane
First recorded in 1865–70
Words nearby cell membrane
cell division,
cell fusion,
cell inclusion,
cell line,
cell lineage,
cell membrane,
cell pack,
cell phone,
cell plate,
cell sap,
cell theory
Example sentences from the Web for cell membrane
British Dictionary definitions for cell membrane
cell membrane
noun
a very thin membrane, composed of lipids and protein, that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell
Also called: plasmalemma, plasma membrane
Medical definitions for cell membrane
cell membrane
n.
The semipermeable membrane that encloses the cytoplasm of a cell.
cytomembrane plasmalemma plasma membrane
Scientific definitions for cell membrane
cell membrane
The thin membrane that forms the outer surface of the protoplasm of a cell and regulates the passage of materials in and out of the cell. It is made up of proteins and lipids and often contains molecular receptors. The membranes of organelles within the cell are made of the same basic material as the cell membrane. In plant cells, the cell membrane is surrounded by a rigid cell wall. Also called plasma membrane Compare cell wall. See more at cell.