periosteum

noun

peri·​os·​te·​um ˌper-ē-ˈä-stē-əm 

plural periostea ˌper-ē-ˈä-stē-ə 

: 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

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

Kids Definition

periosteum

noun

peri·​os·​te·​um ˌper-ē-ˈäs-tē-əm 

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 

plural periostea -tē-ə 

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