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

Examples of periosteum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wright credits the regeneration to the periosteum left behind. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2024 Tyson underwent surgery, according to the case report, but since the tumor was caught early, a large portion of the dog’s periosteum was preserved even as bone was removed. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2024 Scientists used to have to place electrodes directly on the periosteum—the inner layer of the scalp—to pick up brain waves. Time, 26 June 2023 There’s not a consensus among doctors about the cause, but for a long time, it was thought to be a soft tissue injury — either small tears or inflammation of the muscles that attach near the shin or of the periosteum (a thin sheath of tissue around the shin bone). Kelly O'Mara, Outside Online, 9 Apr. 2014 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

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 15 Dec. 2024.

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

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