PERITONEUM

peritoneum. Peritoneum, n. the membrane inclosing the intestines

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Per′i‐to‐ne″um (?), n. [[L. peritoneum, peritonaeum, Gr. �, �, fr. � to stretch all around or over; � around + � to stretch.]] (Anat.) The smooth serous membrane which lines the cavity of the abdomen, or the whole body cavity when there is no diaphragm, and, turning back, surrounds the viscera, forming a closed, or nearly closed, sac. [Written also peritonæum.]