Word Study
[2x]
: Pâ Pæ Pè Pé Pœ P- P. P/ P< Pa Pb Pc Pd Pe Pf Ph Pi Pj Pk Pl Pm Pn Po Pp Pr Ps Pt Pu Pv Pw Px Py
peritoneum
CIDE DICTIONARY
peritoneum, n. [L. peritoneum, peritonaeum, Gr. , , fr. to stretch all around or over; around + to stretch.].
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. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
peritoneum, n. (pl. peritoneums or peritonea) the double serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen.
Derivative
peritoneal adj.
Etymology
LL f. Gk peritonaion (as PERI-, tonaion f. -tonos stretched)
For further exploring for "peritoneum" in Webster Dictionary Online
