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Glite Dictionary
embryonic membrane

embryonic membrane

8.1
A thin skin that sometimes covers a baby's head when it is born
  • noun
  • /ˌɛm.briˈɑ.nɪk ˈmɛm.breɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : membrana embrionaria
  • In rare cases, a baby may be born with the embryonic membrane covering its head.

Examples

  • The doctor explained that the embryonic membrane sometimes remains intact during childbirth.

  • Researchers are studying how the embryonic membrane contributes to the development of organs.

  • The embryonic membrane protects the developing embryo.

  • During development, the embryonic membrane plays a crucial role.

  • In rare cases, a baby may be born with the embryonic membrane covering its head.

  • The doctor explained that the embryonic membrane sometimes remains intact during childbirth.

  • Researchers are studying how the embryonic membrane contributes to the development of organs.

Synonyms

veil
vsembryonic membrane
  • Specialized
8 7.7

A thin natural skin that covers things like young mushrooms or newborn babies

is the specific inner sac of a developing embryo not a general thin cover
amniotic sac
vsembryonic membrane
  • Specialized
1 4.4

A thin bag that surrounds and protects a developing baby in the womb

is the inner sac term mainly used when it covers a newborn head
caul
vsembryonic membrane
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A thin skin-like layer covering a newborn's head at birth

is the inner sac around the embryo rather than just head covering
amnios
vsembryonic membrane
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A thin inner sac of fluid that surrounds a developing baby in the womb

is the inner sac particularly noted when covering newborn heads
amnion
vsembryonic membrane
  • Specialized
9.5

A thin inner bag that surrounds a young animal before it is born or hatched and holds protective fluid

is used when the inner sac especially covers the head at birth

Surface Forms

embryonic membrane singular
embryonic membranes plural

Morphology

embryonic + membrane

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'embryonic' (relating to an embryo) + 'membrane' (a thin layer), so it denotes a membrane associated with an embryo. This is a standard modifier+noun composition common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the MWE's meaning (though detailed biological nuances may require subject knowledge).

Etymology

Embryonic membrane uses the words embryonic and membrane to name the thin inner 'skin' that surrounds the embryo before birth. Because this inner covering can sometimes stay on a baby's head when they are born, the term is used for the inner layer 'covering the embryo' or the newborn's head.