Periodicity: meaning, definitions and examples
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periodicity
[ ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪsɪti ]
mathematics, science
Periodicity refers to the characteristic of a physical or mathematical phenomenon that repeats itself at regular intervals. In mathematics, it is often associated with functions that exhibit a regular pattern over a specified domain. In science, periodicity can describe phenomena in nature that recur at intervals, such as phases of the moon or seasons.
Synonyms
cyclicity, regularity, repetition
Examples of usage
- The periodicity of the moon's phases
- Mathematical functions exhibit periodicity
- Chemical elements show periodicity in the periodic table
Translations
Translations of the word "periodicity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 periodicidade
🇮🇳 आवधिकता
🇩🇪 Periodizität
🇮🇩 periodisitas
🇺🇦 періодичність
🇵🇱 okresowość
🇯🇵 周期性 (しゅうきせい)
🇫🇷 périodicité
🇪🇸 periodicidad
🇹🇷 periyodiklik
🇰🇷 주기성 (주기성)
🇸🇦 دورية
🇨🇿 periodicita
🇸🇰 periodicita
🇨🇳 周期性 (zhōuqīxìng)
🇸🇮 periodičnost
🇮🇸 tímabil
🇰🇿 периодтылық
🇬🇪 პერიოდულობა
🇦🇿 periodiklik
🇲🇽 periodicidad
Word origin
The word 'periodicity' is rooted in the Greek word 'periodos,' meaning 'a going round' or 'cycle,' which itself consists of 'peri-' (around) and 'hodos' (way, path). It was adopted into English in the early 19th century to describe the regular recurrence of events or phenomena, particularly in scientific contexts. Over time, its application expanded to include various fields such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry, where it describes patterns that can recur at regular intervals. The concept of periodicity is fundamental in understanding cycles in nature, as well as in mathematical sequences and functions, making it an important term in both academic and practical contexts.