periosteum

[ per-ee-os-tee-uhm ]

/ ˌpɛr iˈɒs ti əm /

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noun, plural per·i·os·te·a

[per-ee-os-tee-uh]. /ˌpɛr iˈɒs ti ə/. Anatomy.

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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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-

OTHER WORDS FROM periosteum

per·i·os·te·al, per·i·os·te·ous, adjectiveper·i·os·te·al·ly, adverbsub·per·i·os·te·al, adjectivesub·per·i·os·te·al·ly, adverb

Words nearby periosteum

periosteomyelitis, periosteophyte, periosteoplastic amputation, periosteosis, periosteotomy, periosteum, periostitis, periostracum, periotic, periovaritis, peripachymeningitis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use periosteum in a sentence

Make a corresponding incision through the periosteum and raise it with a blunt dissector.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique|John William Henry Eyre
It signifies, of course, that the periosteum and the bone have become invaded by the inflammatory process.
Diseases of the Horse's Foot|Harry Caulton Reeks
In connection with the deep layer of the periosteum, and forming part of it, are found numerous bone-forming cells (osteoblasts).
Diseases of the Horse's Foot|Harry Caulton Reeks
In the periosteum we may take it roughly that inflammation runs a course similar to that occurring in soft tissues elsewhere.
Diseases of the Horse's Foot|Harry Caulton Reeks

As we know, the periosteum consists of two layers, an outer fibrous and an inner yellow elastic, and is extremely vascular.
Diseases of the Horse's Foot|Harry Caulton Reeks

British Dictionary definitions for periosteum

periosteum

/ (ˌpɛrɪˈɒstɪəm) /

noun plural -tea (-tɪə)

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

Derived forms of periosteum

periosteal, adjective

Word Origin for periosteum

C16: New Latin, from Greek periosteon, from peri- + osteon bone

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for periosteum

periosteum

[ pĕr′ē-ŏs′tē-əm ]

n. pl. per•i•os•te•a (-tē-ə)

The thick fibrous membrane covering the entire surface of a bone except its articular cartilage and serving as an attachment for muscles and tendons.

Other words from periosteum

per′i•os′te•al (-tē-əl) adj.