nuclear membrane

noun

: a double membrane enclosing a cell nucleus and having its outer part continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum

called also nuclear envelope

see cell illustration

Examples of nuclear membrane in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This caused openings to form in the nuclear membrane but not in the exterior cellular structure as witnessed by the appearance of the dye from the nuclei showing up in the cell's cytoplasm. — Michael Franco, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2024 That's not an easy task to accomplish because the nuclear membrane is a notoriously tough shield that protects our genetic code. — Michael Franco, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuclear membrane was in 1852

Rhymes for nuclear membrane

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Browse Nearby Words

nuclear medicine
nuclear membrane
nuclear option
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Cite this Entry

“Nuclear membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuclear%20membrane. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

nuclear membrane

noun
: a double membrane enclosing a cell nucleus

called also nuclear envelope

Medical Definition

nuclear membrane

noun
: a double membrane enclosing a cell nucleus and having its outer part continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum

called also karyotheca

More from Merriam-Webster on nuclear membrane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nuclear membrane

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