Definitions

(noun) membrane; film

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "膜" is etymologically composed of the semantic component "肉", indicating a relation to flesh or bodily substance, and the phonetic component "莫", which guides its pronunciation. Initially denoting biological membranes within organisms, its meaning gradually extended to encompass any thin, pliable layer, whether natural like skin or synthetic like polymeric films, thus integrating into diverse scientific and technical fields. This semantic broadening further facilitated metaphorical applications, where the character appears in compounds conveying acts of reverence, thereby linking the tangible idea of a covering membrane to abstract expressions of devotion or veneration.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这张面很湿润。

Zhè zhāng miànmó hěn shīrùn.

This sheet mask is very moist.

她用保鲜包好剩菜。

Tā yòng bǎoxiānmó bāo hǎo shèngcài.

She wrapped the leftovers with cling wrap.

手机贴可以保护屏幕。

Shǒujī tiē mó kěyǐ bǎohù píngmù.

Applying a screen protector can protect the phone screen.

移植手术非常精细。

Jiǎomó yízhí shǒushù fēicháng jīngxì.

Corneal transplant surgery is very delicate.

这层薄能有效隔绝空气。

Zhè céng báomó néng yǒuxiào géjué kōngqì.

This thin film can effectively isolate air.

细胞控制物质的进出。

Xìbāomó kòngzhì wùzhì de jìnchū.

The cell membrane controls the entry and exit of substances.

科学家在研究新型薄材料。

Kēxuéjiā zài yánjiū xīnxíng báomó cáiliào.

Scientists are researching new thin film materials.

反渗透技术用于海水淡化。

Fǎnshèntòu mó jìshù yòng yú hǎishuǐ dànhuà.

Reverse osmosis membrane technology is used for seawater desalination.