peritonitis

noun

peri·​to·​ni·​tis ˌper-ə-tə-ˈnī-təs How to pronounce peritonitis (audio)
: inflammation of the peritoneum

Examples of peritonitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For us, that might be feline infectious peritonitis, for example. — Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026 On March 8, 1941, writer Sherwood Anderson died of peritonitis. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026 Cermak would die of peritonitis in 19 days. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 Fulcher’s cause of death was determined to be sepsis, peritonitis and colonic perforation, along with the instrument left in his body during surgery, per Cleveland 19 News. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peritonitis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peritonitis was in 1771

Rhymes for peritonitis

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Browse Nearby Words

peritonitic
peritonitis
peritrema
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Cite this Entry

“Peritonitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peritonitis. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

peritonitis

noun
peri·​to·​ni·​tis ˌper-ət-ᵊn-ˈīt-əs How to pronounce peritonitis (audio)
: inflammation of the peritoneum

Medical Definition

peritonitis

noun
peri·​to·​ni·​tis ˌper-ət-ᵊn-ˈīt-əs How to pronounce peritonitis (audio)
: inflammation of the peritoneum

More from Merriam-Webster on peritonitis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peritonitis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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