Peritoneums

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs
2. A thin, serous tissue acting as a protective layer for organs within the abdominal region
3. The structure that facilitates the movement and function of digestive organs by providing support and lubrication

Etymology: "Peritoneums" is simply the plural of "peritoneum," the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. The singular is the form that carries the etymology: it came into Latin as "peritonaeum," borrowed from the Ancient Greek "peritónaion," which was built from "peritónaios," meaning "stretched or strained over." The name describes the membrane's physical position, a thin sheet stretched across the inside of the belly wall and over the organs it holds in place.

Synonyms: peritoneal membranes, abdominal membranes