peritonitis

Definition

Inflammation of the peritoneum, especially when caused by an infectious organism introduced into the abdominal cavity.

Etymology

From peritoneum + -itis.

Example Sentences

• "Intraperitoneal injections of a strong solution produce fibrohemorrhagic peritonitis of varying intensity, according to the strength of the solution; while intraperitoneal injections of small quantities of a diluted solution of formalin induce a chronic peritonitis with great connective tissue proliferation, and a striking eosinophilia."