periosteum

[ per-ee-os-tee-uh m ]

/ ˌpɛr iˈɒs ti əm /

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.

Nearby words

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

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-

Related formsper·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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for periosteum

It may originate in the periosteum, or may spread thence from the marrow, or from synovial membrane.
Manual of Surgery|Alexis Thomson and Alexander Miles
Stitching the periosteum together obviates the latter to a certain extent.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various
The bone is melted away and pus escapes from the bone under the periosteum, involving the soft tissues.
Special Report on Diseases of Cattle|U.S. Department of Agriculture
There was extravasation into and beneath the periosteum, and subsequent destruction of the continuity of the bone.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

Diffuse thickening of the shafts of the long bones, due to a deposit of new bone by the periosteum, is sometimes met with.
Manual of Surgery|Alexis Thomson and Alexander Miles

British Dictionary definitions for periosteum

periosteum

/ (ˌpɛrɪˈɒstɪəm) /

noun plural -tea (-tɪə)

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

Derived Formsperiosteal, 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

Medicine 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.

Related formsper′i•os′te•al (-tē-əl) adj.