amnion

(amnē ən, -än′)

noun pl. amnions or amnia

  1. the innermost membrane of the sac enclosing the embryo of a mammal, reptile, or bird: it is filled with a watery fluid ()
  2. a similar membrane of certain invertebrates, esp. insects

Origin: Gr, dim. of amnos, lamb < IE *agwhnos > yean, L agnus

Related Forms:

See amnion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. am·ni·ons or am·ni·a (-nē-ə)
A thin, tough, membranous sac that encloses the embryo or fetus of a mammal, bird, or reptile. It is filled with a serous fluid in which the embryo is suspended.

Origin:

Origin: Greek amniōn

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Related Forms:

  • amˌni·otˈic (-ŏtˈĭk), amˌni·onˈic (-ŏnˈĭk) adjective

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