peritonitis

American  

[per-i-tn-ahy-tis] / ˌpɛr ɪ tnˈaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the peritoneum, often accompanied by pain and tenderness in the abdomen, vomiting, constipation, and moderate fever.

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peritonitis British  

/ ˌpɛrɪtəˈnaɪtɪs, ˌpɛrɪtəˈnɪtɪk /

noun

1. inflammation of the peritoneum

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peritonitis Scientific  

/ pĕr′ĭ-tn-ī′tĭs /

1. Infection or inflammation of the peritoneal cavity, usually caused by a ruptured organ, such as the appendix, in the gastrointestinal tract.

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Other Word Forms

• peritonital
  adjective
• peritonitic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of peritonitis

First recorded in 1770–80; periton(eum) + -itis

Example Sentences

Otamendi Hospital said she underwent laparoscopic surgery, which confirmed the diagnosis of "appendicitis with localized peritonitis," and that she was recovering "without postoperative complications".

From Barron's • Dec. 21, 2025

Appendicitis, especially with a perforated appendix, is dangerous and can lead to complications including septicemia and peritonitis, the Cleveland Clinic says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

Following complex abdominal surgery for peritonitis when he was younger, Erik says he needs to follow a special diet which precludes him from serving in the army.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2023

Fascinated by “Ulysses,” Arroyo said in a 1991 essay that imagining the illustrations kept him alive when he was hospitalized in the late 1980s for peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal lining.

From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2022

“You’ll have to go to a hospital. If the appendix ruptures, you may get peritonitis, and the infection will spread.”

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady