periodicity
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of periodicity
From the French word périodicité, dating back to 1825–35. See periodic 1, -ity
Explanation
The characteristic of happening regularly is periodicity. In a given school day, you're sure to notice the periodicity of the bells ringing after class at predictable, regular intervals. The adjective periodicity is almost always used in a scientific or technical context (in more casual conversation, you'd be more likely to say regularity or even rhythm). In nature, there are many examples of periodicity, from the daily sunrise and sunset to the phases of the moon and the recurrence of the seasons. Periodicity is closely related to periodic, from the Greek root periodos, "cycle."
Vocabulary lists containing periodicity
The ACT Math Test: Functions
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Functions - High School
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This Week In Culture: February 8–14, 2020
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even the periodicity of time had a different reckoning.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
There seems to be a seven-year periodicity with these fireballs.
From BBC • Nov. 9, 2024
Annual cicadas do not have the periodicity of the magicicada that are emerging soon.
From New York Times • May 8, 2024
This feature is achievable because quantum computers operate in a realm known as "quantum space," characterized by periodicity, and no need for endless subdivisions.
From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023
N, n, Number of anything. π, Circumference ÷ diameter = 3.141592. ω, 2πf = 6.2831 × frequency, in alternating current. ~, f, Frequency, periodicity, cycles per second. φ, Phase angle.
From Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A Progressive Course of Study for Engineers, Electricians, Students and Those Desiring to acquire a Working Knowledge of Electricity and its Applications by Hawkins, Nehemiah
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
