vitelline membrane

American  

noun

1. the membrane surrounding the egg yolk.

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vitelline membrane British  

/ vɪˈtɛlɪn, -aɪn /

noun

1. zoology a membrane that surrounds a fertilized ovum and prevents the entry of other spermatozoa

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Etymology

Origin of vitelline membrane

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

This new individual at first is simply a uninucleated mass of living matter, which always contains a certain amount of food-yolk, and is generally bounded by a delicate cuticular membrane called the vitelline membrane.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

The eggs are small; the diameter of recently-deposited eggs is about 1.3 mm. and that of the vitelline membrane is about 1.5 mm.

From Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca by Duellman, William E.

The only membrane enclosing the individual eggs is the vitelline membrane.

From Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca by Duellman, William E.

This coagulation forms the vitelline membrane, which prevents the entry of other spermatozoids.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste

Oölemma: the cell wall of an egg: see vitelline membrane.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.