peritoneum

noun peri·to·ne·um \ˌper-ə-tə-ˈnē-əm\

plural peri·to·ne·ums\-ˈnē-əmz\ or -nea \-ˈnē-ə\

Definition of PERITONEUM

: the smooth transparent serous membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen of a mammal and is folded inward over the abdominal and pelvic viscera

— peri·to·ne·al \-ˈnē-əl\ adjective

— peri·to·ne·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

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Origin of PERITONEUM

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Greek peritonaion, neuter of peritonaios stretched around, from peri- + teinein to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use: 15th century

Medical Dictionary

peritoneum

noun peri·to·ne·um

plural peri·to·ne·ums or chiefly British peri·to·nae·ums \-ˈē-əmz\ or -nea or chiefly British peri·to·naea \-ˈē-ə\

Medical Definition of PERITONEUM

: the smooth transparent serous membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen of a mammal, is folded inward over the abdominal and pelvic viscera, and consists of an outer layer closely adherent to the walls of the abdomen and an inner layer that folds to invest the viscera—see parietal peritoneum, visceral peritoneum; compare mesentery 1