How Do You Spell SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANE?

Pronunciation: [sˌɛmɪpˈɜːməbə͡l mˈɛmbɹe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the term "semipermeable membrane" can be traced back to its etymology. The prefix "semi-" means "partially," while "permeable" means "allowing substances to pass through." Therefore, a semipermeable membrane only allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˌsɛmɪˈpɜːmɪəbəl ˈmɛmbrən/ as the word begins with a "s" sound and has a long "e" and short "i" sounds in the second syllable.

SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANE Meaning and Definition

1. A semipermeable membrane is a type of barrier that selectively allows certain substances to pass through while preventing others from doing so. It is a membrane with pores or openings that have a specific size or charge preference, determining the nature and size of the molecules that can easily move across it. The term "semipermeable" refers to the membrane's ability to partially permeate or transmit certain molecules.

   The membrane's selective permeability is primarily based on two properties: molecular size and polarity. Typically, small molecules such as water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide can diffuse through the membrane easily, while larger molecules like proteins and ions may be hindered or unable to pass through. The size of the pores or openings in the membrane determines the range of molecular sizes that can permeate.

   Semipermeable membranes play a crucial role in various biological processes and technological applications. In living organisms, they are involved in the transportation of nutrients, waste elimination, and regulation of internal conditions. Additionally, semipermeable membranes are extensively used in scientific research, industrial processes, and medical practices. Examples include dialysis membranes for kidney treatment, reverse osmosis membranes for water purification, and artificial membranes in laboratory setups. Understanding the principles of semipermeable membranes is essential for developing and designing various filtration and separation techniques.

2. A membrane which allows of the passage of water but not of any substances (crystalloids) held in solution.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANE

• aemipermeable membrane
• zemipermeable membrane
• xemipermeable membrane
• demipermeable membrane
• eemipermeable membrane
• wemipermeable membrane
• swmipermeable membrane
• ssmipermeable membrane
• sdmipermeable membrane
• srmipermeable membrane
• s4mipermeable membrane
• s3mipermeable membrane
• senipermeable membrane
• sekipermeable membrane
• sejipermeable membrane
• semupermeable membrane
• semjpermeable membrane
• semkpermeable membrane
• semopermeable membrane

Etymology of SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANE

The word "semipermeable" is derived from the Latin roots "semi-" meaning "half" and "permeare" meaning "to pass through". "Membrane", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "membrana" meaning "thin skin" or "parchment". Therefore, the etymology of "semipermeable membrane" essentially refers to a thin layer or skin that allows certain substances to pass through partially.