peritonitis

noun

peri·​to·​ni·​tis ˌper-ə-tə-ˈnī-təs How to pronounce peritonitis (audio)
: inflammation of the peritoneum

Examples of peritonitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their focus is currently on raising money for two cats who were diagnosed with Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, which is a viral disease caused by a feline coronavirus affecting both wild and domestic cats, a WebMD article stated. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 At the height of his renowned career both on stage and in the emerging world of cinema, Houdini died suddenly and under sketchy circumstances from peritonitis at the age of 52 on Halloween 1926. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 The official cause of Houdini's death was diffuse peritonitis, which is when a burst appendix spills bacteria into the abdominal cavity. — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 The bacteria found in the product have been linked to conjunctivitis and peritonitis, according to CBS News. — Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for peritonitis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peritonitis was in 1771

Rhymes for peritonitis

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Browse Nearby Words

peritonitic
peritonitis
peritrema
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Cite this Entry

“Peritonitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peritonitis. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

peritonitis

noun
peri·​to·​ni·​tis ˌper-ət-ᵊn-ˈīt-əs How to pronounce peritonitis (audio)
: inflammation of the peritoneum

Medical Definition

peritonitis

noun
peri·​to·​ni·​tis ˌper-ət-ᵊn-ˈīt-əs How to pronounce peritonitis (audio)
: inflammation of the peritoneum

More from Merriam-Webster on peritonitis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peritonitis

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