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 periostea (audio)

\

Definition of periosteum

: the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular surfaces

Examples of periosteum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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, "The skulls of ancient pearl divers come with abnormal ear canal bone growths," 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about periosteum

Dictionary Entries near periosteum

Statistics for periosteum

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for periosteum

The first known use of periosteum was in 1574

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for periosteum

periosteum

noun

peri·os·te·um | \ -tē-əm

\

plural periostea\ -tē-ə

\

Medical Definition of periosteum

: the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular surfaces

Comments on periosteum

What made you want to look up periosteum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

labile

readily or continually undergoing change

Test Your Vocabulary

Musical Words Quiz

Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ