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

Amrit undergoes nine hours of peritoneal dialysis each night, a method of blood purification used when kidneys fail.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025

As a BRCA1 previvor, my risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic, peritoneal, fallopian tube and endometrial cancer is higher than normal.

From Salon • Oct. 17, 2024

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2024

Bacteria swarmed in the fluid of the peritoneal cavity.

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