How to Pronounce “peritoneal”

American (US)

/ˌpɛrətəˈni.əl/

British (UK)

/ˌpɛrɪtəˈniːəl/

adjective — Of, relating to, or affecting the peritoneum.

Where the stress falls. “peritoneal” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌpɛrətəˈni.əl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌpɛrətəˈni.əl/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "peritoneal" mean?

peritoneal (adjective): Of, relating to, or affecting the peritoneum.

How do you pronounce "peritoneal" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌpɛrətəˈni.əl/. British English: /ˌpɛrɪtəˈniːəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "peritoneal"?

/ˌpɛrətəˈni.əl/ in American English, /ˌpɛrɪtəˈniːəl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "peritoneal"?

“peritoneal” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌpɛrətəˈni.əl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.