Pēr'i-căr'di-ŭm, n.

noun

n. [N. Lat., Gr. περικάρδιον, fr. περικάρδιος, about or near the heart, from περί, about, and καρδία, heart; It. & Sp. pericardio, Fr. péricarde.] (Anat.) The membranous sac which incloses the heart. It is a serous membrane, and contains a small quantity of lubricating liquid.

A labeled anatomical illustration of the heart enclosed by the pericardium. — Pericardium.