'membrane' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'membrana', where 'membr-' meant 'limb' or 'member'.

'membrane' changed from Medieval Latin 'membrana' (and via Old French 'membrane') and eventually became the modern English word 'membrane'.

Initially, it meant 'a thin skin or covering (often of a body part)', but over time it broadened to the current meanings of 'a thin layer or sheet (biological or mechanical)'.