periphery

American  

[puh-rif-uh-ree] / pəˈrɪf ə ri /

noun

PLURAL

peripheries

1. the external boundary of any surface or area.

   Synonyms:

   perimeter , circumference

   Antonyms:

   center

2. the external surface of a body.

   Antonyms:

   center

3. the edge or outskirts, as of a city or urban area.

4. the relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question.

   The preliminary research did not, of course, take me beyond the periphery of my problem.

5. Anatomy.  the area in which nerves end.

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periphery British  

/ pəˈrɪfərɪ /

noun

1. the outermost boundary of an area

2. the outside surface of something

3. anatomy the surface or outermost part of the body or one of its organs or parts

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Etymology

Origin of periphery

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Late Latin peripherīa, from Greek periphéreia “circumference,” literally, “a bearing round,” from peri- peri- + phér(ein) “to bear” + -eia -y ³; replacing Middle English periferie, from Medieval Latin periferīa, variant spelling of Late Latin peripherīa

Example Sentences

“Spread dynamics are most pronounced in the periphery,” the rates strategist says.

From The Wall Street Journal

During 15 years in power she delivered what Delhi prizes most in its periphery: stability, connectivity and a neighbour willing to align its interests with India's rather than China's.

From BBC

While the main RSF force rampaged through el-Fasher, a separate group of fighters remained on the periphery of the city, where they engaged in the brutal executions of a number of unarmed captives.

From BBC

Likewise, a pair of maps focused on the north and south poles give the Earth a sea-based orientation, centering water with land off to the periphery.

From The Wall Street Journal

The return of great-power rivalries, and the perennial challenge of disorder from peripheries beyond government control, has made that task a priority again.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• brink
• fringe
• perimeter
• rim
• verge