peritoneum Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

L. peritoneum, peritonaeum, Gr. , , fr. to stretch all around or over; around + to stretch.

(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.