peripheral

[puh-rif-er-uhl]

adjective

1. relating to, situated in, or constituting the periphery.

   peripheral resistance on the outskirts of the battle area.

2. concerned with relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question.

3. Anatomy.,  near the surface or outside of; external.

4. Computers.,  relating to a device or unit that is separate from but connected to a computer, network host, etc.

noun

1. Computers.

   1. a device or unit that operates separately from the CPU but is connected to it, such as a mouse, printer, speakers, etc.

   2. a device or unit that is separate from a network’s host computer but in communication with it, such as a shared input terminal, printer, or backup drive.

peripheral

/ pəˈrɪfərəl /

adjective

1. not relating to the most important part of something; incidental, minor, or superficial

2. of, relating to, or of the nature of a periphery

3. anatomy of, relating to, or situated near the surface of the body

   a peripheral nerve

peripheral

1. Anatomy,  Relating to or being the surface or outer part of a body or organ.

2. Relating to or being part of the peripheral nervous system.

1. Computer Science,  An auxiliary device, such as a printer or modem, distinct from a computer's central processing unit and working memory, and often connected externally.

peripheral

1. Any part that is separate from a computer's CPU, such as a printer, a keyboard, or a monitor.

Other Word Forms

• peripherally adverb
• unperipheral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peripheral¹

First recorded in 1800–10; 1965–70 peripheral for def. 4; from Greek peripher(ḗs) ( periphery ( def. ) ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The post triggered speculation that perhaps James and Jokic could team up on either the Lakers or Nuggets, but more likely it suggests James has more than a peripheral interest in the new league.

From Los Angeles Times

However, light passing through the ring itself is defocused slightly meaning that the peripheral retina gets a slightly blurred image.

From BBC

He has had a heart attack and during open heart surgery lost some of his peripheral vision.

From BBC

In this struggle, education and culture are not peripheral.

From Salon

He said that the boy's parents believe "and in my judgment with reason" that their son has "at very least peripheral involvement with gang culture and has exhibited an unhealthy interest in knives".

From BBC

Related Words

• incidental 
• tangential