periosteum

American  

[per-ee-os-tee-uhm] / ˌpɛr iˈɒs ti əm /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

periostea

1. the normal investment of bone, consisting of a dense, fibrous outer layer, to which muscles attach, and a more delicate, inner layer capable of forming bone.

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periosteum British  

/ ˌpɛrɪˈɒstɪəm /

noun

1. a thick fibrous two-layered membrane covering the surface of bones

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Other Word Forms

• periosteal adjective
• periosteally adverb
• periosteous adjective
• subperiosteal adjective
• subperiosteally adverb

Etymology

Origin of periosteum

1590–1600; < New Latin, variant of Late Latin periosteon, noun use of neuter of Greek periósteos around the bones. See peri-, osteo-

Compare meaning

How does periosteum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• periosteum vs. endosteum
• perichondrium vs. periosteum

Example Sentences

The tissue, called the periosteum, gets inflamed, and that's what causes the ache.

From Los Angeles Times

The periosteum becomes inflamed; a widespread suppurative periostitis is the result; necrosis of the bone from insufficient nutrition follows, while mechanical pressure on the pus aids in its absorption.

From Project Gutenberg

Its effect is really extraordinary in injuries to sinews, tendons and the periosteum.

From Project Gutenberg

It appeared to have been exposed to the weather, until the flesh and periosteum had decayed, and the bones had become white....

From Project Gutenberg

Ollier exposed the bone of an animal, and, carefully removing a part of the periosteum, planted it in the connective tissue under the skin in another part of the body.

From Project Gutenberg