‖ periosteum Anat.
(pɛrɪˈɒstiːəm)
Also 6–7 -ium, 7 -ion.
[mod.L., for ancient L. periosteon (Cælius Aurelianus c 420), a. Gr. περιόστεον, neuter of περιόστεος adj. ‘round the bones’, f. περί round + ὀστέον bone. In F. périoste (Paré 16th c.).]
The dense fibro-vascular membrane which envelops the bones (except where they are covered by cartilage), and from the inner (vascular) layer of which bone-substance is produced.
| 1597 A. M. tr. Guillemeau's Fr. Chirurg. 2/2 That verye tender and sensible pellicle, Periostium. 1651 Biggs New Disp. 186 Periostion or Coat environing the Scull. 1741 Monro Anat. (ed. 3) 153 They are said to have no proper Periosteum within the Sockets. 1835–6 Todd Cycl. Anat. I. 433/2 The periosteum is a fibrous membrane of a dull white colour. 1881 Mivart Cat 256 The periosteum of the neural canal. |
¶ b. = periostracum.
| 1774 Goldsm. Nat. Hist. VII. 10 Shells..have an external crust, or periosteum, as Swammerdam calls it. |