peritoneal

American  

[per-i-tuhn-ee-uhl] / ˌpɛr ɪ tənˈi əl /

adjective

Anatomy.

1. relating to, by means of, or enclosed by the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

   Perforation of the ulcer may occur, with escape of stomach contents into the peritoneal cavity.

   In peritoneal dialysis, the lining of the abdominal cavity acts like the external filter to cleanse the blood.

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Other Word Forms

• peritoneally adverb
• preperitoneal adjective
• subperitoneal adjective
• transperitoneal adjective
• transperitoneally adverb

Etymology

Origin of peritoneal

peritone(um) ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Doctors determined she was suffering from kidney failure and needed ongoing treatment including chemotherapy and peritoneal dialysis.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

For example, BRCA1 carriers have a higher risk of pancreatic and peritoneal cancer, neither of which have a reliable screening tool.

From Salon • Oct. 17, 2024

Laura-Jane Seaman, 36, died at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, on 23 December 2022 following a significant peritoneal haemorrhage.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2024

Deep endometriosis, extending to any depth beneath the peritoneal surface, is the most severe form of endometriosis.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2024

These sometimes soften and break down into a puriform liquid, which may sometimes cause peritonitis by rupture into the peritoneal cavity.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various