Peripheral: meaning, definitions and examples
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peripheral
[ pəˈrɪf(ə)rəl ]
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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peripheral |
Used when talking about something that is not the main focus or is on the outer edge of a particular area or subject.
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external |
Used when talking about something that is on the outside of something else, or comes from outside.
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additional |
Used when referring to something that is extra or added beyond what is already present or available.
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ancillary |
Used when referring to something that is supportive or supplementary to the main thing but is not essential by itself.
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Examples of usage
- The printer and scanner are peripheral devices for the computer.
- Make sure to install the necessary drivers for your peripheral devices.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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peripheral |
Use it in a technical or medical context when talking about external devices or outer parts not central to the main operation, particularly in computing or physiology.
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nerve |
Commonly used in medical, biological, or colloquial contexts. It can refer to a fiber transmitting impulses or indicate courage or bravado. It sometimes carries a negative connotation when implying brashness or audacity.
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branch |
This is suitable for hierarchical or organizational contexts. It can describe a division of a larger entity, like a bank, company, or tree.
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extension |
Use it to describe something added to increase the size, length, or scope of something, often in construction, software, or academic settings.
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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
Etymology
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.