peritonitis

noun peri·to·ni·tis \ˌper-ə-tə-ˈnī-təs\

medical : a serious condition in which the covering of the stomach, intestines, and nearby organs becomes swollen and infected

Full Definition of PERITONITIS

: inflammation of the peritoneum

See peritonitis defined for English-language learners

See peritonitis defined for kids

New Latin

First Known Use: 1776

Medical Dictionary

noun peri·to·ni·tis \ˌper-ət-^ən-ˈīt-əs\

: inflammation of the peritoneum

Next Word in the Dictionary: peritremaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: peritoniticAll Words Near: peritonitis

What made you want to look up peritonitis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears