periphery

[puh-rif-uh-ree]

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.

periphery

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of periphery¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of periphery¹

C16: from Late Latin peripherīa, from Greek, from _peri- + pherein to bear

Example Sentences

When the Americans were humbled by the Europeans two years ago, DeChambeau was even further on the periphery than he was at Whistling Straits.

From BBC

Other attendees, lounging on cushions throughout the boutique, gazed down at their e-readers but peeked as cats bounced around like pinballs in their periphery.

From Los Angeles Times

During his 12 years as pontiff, Francis visited 68 countries on 47 foreign trips, often choosing destinations on the world's margins, which he described as the Church's "peripheries".

From BBC

Among the small piles of clothes scattered across Thomas’ furniture, with word that there’s a closet upstairs housing so much more, a statement Anna Sui beanie lies in my periphery.

From Los Angeles Times

"Many older stores find themselves in parts of town which may have been busy 20 years ago but now find themselves on the periphery."

From BBC

Related Words

• brink 
• fringe 
• perimeter 
• rim 
• verge