CAMBIUM

cambium

(noun) the inner layer of the periosteum

cambium

(noun) a formative one-cell layer of tissue between xylem and phloem in most vascular plants that is responsible for secondary growth

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

cambium (plural cambiums or cambia)

(botany) A layer of cells between the xylem and the phloem that is responsible for the secondary growth of roots and stems.

(anatomy) Periosteum, a membrane that covers the outer surface of bones

(obsolete) One of the humours formerly believed to nourish the bodily organs.

Source: Wiktionary

Cam"bi*um, n. Etym: [LL. cambium exchange, fr. L. cambire to exchange. It was supposed that cambium was sap changing into wood.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: A series of formative cells lying outside of the wood proper and inside of the inner bark. The growth of new wood takes place in the cambium, which is very soft.

2. (Med.)

Definition: A fancied nutritive juice, formerly supposed to orgiginate in the blood, to repair losses of the system, and to promote its increase. Dunglison.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition