noun

peritoneum

per-ih-tuh-NEE-um

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Peritoneum (noun) means In anatomy, the membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity in mammals and folds over the organs within it. Example: “The surgeon carefully cut through the peritoneum to reach the abdominal organs.”

noun

anatomy In anatomy, the membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity in mammals and folds over the organs within it.

"The surgeon carefully cut through the peritoneum to reach the abdominal organs."

"Infection of the peritoneum can cause severe abdominal pain."

"The peritoneum wraps around the stomach and intestines."

zoology In zoology, the membrane lining the body cavity of an animal.

"In many invertebrates, the peritoneum lines the coelom rather than a true abdomen."

How to use peritoneum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe lining inside your abdomen that wraps around your organs.

When to use it

It is a clinical, anatomical term rather than everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with the perineum, a completely different part of the body despite the similar spelling.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

perineum → peritonitis →

Common pairings

peritoneal cavity inflammation of the peritoneum peritoneal membrane

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The surgeon carefully cut through the _____ to reach the abdominal organs.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin peritonaeum, which was taken from Ancient Greek peritónaion. That in turn goes back to a Greek word describing something stretched or strained over something else.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for peritoneum

geum museum perineum Ethereum linoleum coliseum petroleum mausoleum Colosseum

See all rhymes for peritoneum →

Frequently asked questions

What is the peritoneum?

It is the membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity and folds over the organs it contains.

What does the peritoneum do?

It lines and supports the abdominal cavity, folding over organs such as the stomach and intestines.

Is peritoneum the same in all animals?

The underlying idea is similar, but in zoology the term is used more broadly for the membrane lining any animal's body cavity, not just the mammalian abdomen.

What is the meaning of peritoneum?

"peritoneum" (noun) means in anatomy, the membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity in mammals and folds over the organs within it.