Definition

Relating to the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.

Example

The doctor explained that the peritoneal cavity is important for protecting the organs inside the abdomen.

Conversation

I heard that the doctor mentioned something about peritoneal issues during your last visit.

Yeah, I was a bit confused about what that meant.

It's related to the membrane that lines the abdomen, right?

Exactly! It’s important for protecting our organs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Peritoneal → It is formed from "peritoneum" (from Latin *peritoneum*, meaning the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "peritoneal" refers to something that pertains to the peritoneum, the membrane that surrounds the abdominal organs.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'peritoneum' as the membrane that lines the abdomen, and remember that 'peritoneal' means related to that membrane.

Visually Confused Words