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Periodic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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periodic

[ˌpɪərɪˈɒdɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

table

occurring or appearing at regular intervals; occurring from time to time.

Synonyms

intermittent, recurring, regular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
periodic

Used to describe something that happens at regular intervals over a period of time, often in cycles.

  • The company conducts periodic reviews of its safety procedures
  • She receives periodic updates from her supervisor
regular

Describes something that happens consistently and at predictable intervals. It suggests a routine or pattern.

  • She goes for her regular morning run every day
  • The trains arrive at regular intervals
recurring

Used to describe something that happens repeatedly, often over a long period of time. It suggests a predictable or expected pattern.

  • His recurring headaches have made it hard for him to concentrate
  • The town hosts a recurring annual festival
intermittent

Describes something that starts and stops irregularly or occurs occasionally. This word often suggests unpredictability.

  • The intermittent rain made it difficult to plan the outdoor event
  • He had intermittent internet connection issues throughout the day

Examples of usage

  • The company sends out periodic newsletters to its customers.
  • The doctor recommended periodic check-ups to monitor her health condition.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

relating to or denoting a compound that contains a metal atom bound to one or more carbon atoms.

Synonyms

chemical, inorganic, metallic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
periodic

Used when referring to something that happens at regular intervals or is recurring.

  • The team holds periodic meetings to discuss progress.
  • Periodic maintenance of your car is necessary to keep it running smoothly.
metallic

Used when describing something made of metal or having qualities of metal, such as a shiny surface or conductive properties.

  • The sculpture had a shiny metallic finish.
  • Metallic sounds echoed through the factory.
inorganic

Used when referring to substances that are not derived from living organisms, often used in chemistry.

  • Inorganic chemistry focuses on elements and compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
  • The sample contained various inorganic materials.
chemical

Used when referring to substances formed by a reaction or the study of substances and their properties.

  • The lab is equipped to handle different chemical reactions.
  • Exposure to chemical compounds could be harmful without proper protection.

Examples of usage

  • In organic chemistry, a periodic compound exhibits specific properties due to its structure.
  • The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number and properties.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, 'periodic' refers to the Periodic Table, where elements are organized by their properties and repeating patterns.
  • The Periodic Law states that the properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers.

Literature

  • Many poets use periodic sentences, where the main idea is held until the end, creating suspense.
  • Charles Dickens often employed a periodic style in his writing, adding rhythm to his narratives.

Pop Culture

  • The 'Periodic Table of Elements' is not just a tool for scientists; it has inspired art, music, and even fashion!
  • Movies and cartoons have played with the concept of periodic themes, like seasons changing consistently over time.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, periodic functions repeat their values at regular intervals, such as sine and cosine functions.
  • Graphs of periodic functions exhibit a wave-like shape, with peaks and troughs that occur in cycles.

Origin of 'periodic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'periodic' comes from the Greek word 'periodos', which means 'going around' or 'cycle'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century, primarily related to timing or cycles.

The word 'periodic' originated from the Latin word 'periodicus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'periodikos', meaning 'recurring at intervals'. The term has been used in various fields, including science, mathematics, and literature, to describe phenomena or occurrences that repeat at regular intervals. Over time, 'periodic' has become a common adjective to denote anything that follows a recurring pattern or cycle.

See also: period, periodical, periodically, periods.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,736, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.