Definition

A medical condition characterized by inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with peritonitis after experiencing severe abdominal pain.

Conversation

Have you heard about peritonitis?

Yeah, isn't that an inflammation of the abdomen?

Exactly! It can be really serious if not treated.

I can imagine. It's important to get medical help right away.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Peritonitis is formed from "peritoneum" (from Greek "peritonaion", meaning the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity) and "-itis" (from Greek "itis", meaning inflammation). The word refers to the inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'peritoneum' as the protective layer around the abdomen, and '-itis' indicating inflammation — so peritonitis means inflammation of that protective layer.

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