peritoneum Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity in mammals and covers most of the viscera

WordNet


Per`i*to*ne"um noun
Etymology
L. peritoneum, peritonaeum, Gr. , , fr. to stretch all around or over; around + to stretch.
Definitions
  1. (Anat.) The smooth serous membrane which lines the cavity of the abdomen, or the whole body cavity when there is no diaphragm, and, turning back, surrounds the viscera, forming a closed, or nearly closed, sac. Written also peritonæum.

Webster 1913