periosteum

noun

peri·​os·​te·​um ˌper-ē-ˈä-stē-əm How to pronounce periosteum (audio)
plural periostea ˌper-ē-ˈä-stē-ə How to pronounce periosteum (audio)
: the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular surfaces

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The vessels that provide blood enter into the bone through the thin membrane that covers it, which is known as the periosteum. Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 Doctors think surfer’s ear happens because the thin skin of the ear canal doesn’t protect the bone from cold water, which causes inflammation in the membrane on the outside of the bone, called the periosteum. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 28 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'periosteum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Latin periosteon, from Greek, neuter of periosteos around the bone, from peri- + osteon bone — more at osseous

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periosteum was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near periosteum

Cite this Entry

“Periosteum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periosteum. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

periosteum

noun
peri·​os·​te·​um ˌper-ē-ˈäs-tē-əm How to pronounce periosteum (audio)
plural periostea
-tē-ə
: the membrane of connective tissue that covers all bones except at the surfaces in a joint

Medical Definition

periosteum

noun
peri·​os·​te·​um -tē-əm How to pronounce periosteum (audio)
plural periostea -tē-ə How to pronounce periosteum (audio)
: the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular surfaces

More from Merriam-Webster on periosteum

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