Main Entry: peri·to·ne·um

Pronunciation: \ˌper-ə-tə-ˈnē-əm\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural peri·to·ne·ums \-ˈnē-əmz\ or -nea\-ˈnē-ə\

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

Date: 15th century

: 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