Peripheral: meaning, definitions and examples

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peripheral

 

[ pəˈrɪf(ə)rəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

computer technology

Relating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something. Peripheral devices are hardware components that are connected to a computer and are controlled by the computer's processor.

Synonyms

additional, ancillary, external

Examples of usage

  • The printer and scanner are peripheral devices for the computer.
  • Make sure to install the necessary drivers for your peripheral devices.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

A peripheral nerve or part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

Synonyms

branch, extension, nerve

Examples of usage

  • Damage to the peripheral nerves can result in numbness or tingling.
  • The doctor will perform a test to check the function of your peripheral nervous system.

Translations

Translations of the word "peripheral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 periférico

🇮🇳 परिधीय

🇩🇪 peripher

🇮🇩 periferal

🇺🇦 периферійний

🇵🇱 peryferyjny

🇯🇵 周辺

🇫🇷 périphérique

🇪🇸 periférico

🇹🇷 çevresel

🇰🇷 주변

🇸🇦 محيطي

🇨🇿 periferní

🇸🇰 periférny

🇨🇳 外围

🇸🇮 periferni

🇮🇸 jaðar

🇰🇿 перифериялық

🇬🇪 პერიფერიული

🇦🇿 periferik

🇲🇽 periférico

Word origin

The word 'peripheral' originated from the Late Latin word 'peripheria', which means 'circumference'. It entered the English language in the early 19th century. The use of 'peripheral' expanded from its original geometric meaning to include various contexts such as computer technology and anatomy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,889, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.