Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Peripheral: meaning, definitions and examples

⚙️
Add to dictionary

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
peripheral

Used when talking about something that is not the main focus or is on the outer edge of a particular area or subject.

  • Peripherals for a computer include items like a mouse, keyboard, and printer
  • The discussion covered many peripheral issues not directly related to the main topic
external

Used when talking about something that is on the outside of something else, or comes from outside.

  • The external walls of the house need painting
  • The company sought external advice for its financial problems
additional

Used when referring to something that is extra or added beyond what is already present or available.

  • The project requires additional funding to be completed
  • She took on additional responsibilities at work
ancillary

Used when referring to something that is supportive or supplementary to the main thing but is not essential by itself.

  • The company provides ancillary services such as cleaning and maintenance
  • These measures are ancillary to the main goal of improving patient health

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
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.

  • The keyboard and mouse are peripheral devices connected to the computer.
  • Peripheral nerves are those that are not part of the brain or spinal cord.
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.

  • He damaged a nerve in his hand.
  • She finally gathered the nerve to ask for a raise.
  • You've got some nerve to accuse me of lying.
branch

This is suitable for hierarchical or organizational contexts. It can describe a division of a larger entity, like a bank, company, or tree.

  • He was promoted to manage the branch office in Chicago.
  • The willow tree has many long branches.
extension

Use it to describe something added to increase the size, length, or scope of something, often in construction, software, or academic settings.

  • The building's extension will include more classrooms.
  • I installed a browser extension to block ads.

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.

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.