noun
peritonitis
pe-ri-tuh-NY-tis
Peritonitis (noun) means a painful inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection. Example: “The doctors suspected peritonitis after her sudden abdominal pain and fever.”
noun
1
pathology A painful inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection.
"The doctors suspected peritonitis after her sudden abdominal pain and fever."
"Peritonitis can develop when infection spreads into the abdominal cavity."
"Peritonitis usually requires urgent hospital treatment."
How to use peritonitis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA medical term for a painful, infected inflammation inside the abdomen.
When to use it
It's a formal medical term used mainly in clinical contexts.
Memory tip
The -itis ending on a medical word usually signals inflammation, as it does here.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
peritoneum
Common pairings
acute peritonitis
signs of peritonitis
develop peritonitis
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The doctors suspected _____ after her sudden abdominal pain and fever.
Etymology
Formed from peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, combined with the suffix -itis, which marks a condition of inflammation.
Rhymes for peritonitis
itis
gastritis
sinusitis
hepatitis
arthritis
dermatitis
laryngitis
bronchitis
meningitis
tonsillitis
appendicitis
encephalitis
See all rhymes for peritonitis →
Frequently asked questions
What is peritonitis?
It's inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection reaching the area.
What causes peritonitis?
It's commonly caused by an infectious organism entering the abdominal cavity.
Is peritonitis serious?
Yes, it's a serious condition that generally needs prompt medical care.
What is the meaning of peritonitis?
"peritonitis" (noun) means a painful inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection.
