peri

[ peer-ee ]

noun,plural pe·ris.Persian Mythology.

one of a large group of beautiful, fairylike beings of Persian mythology, represented as descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until their penance is accomplished.
any lovely, graceful person.

Origin of peri

1770–80; <Persian perī, variant of parī fairy, Middle Persian parīk,Avestan pairikā witch

Other definitions for Peri (2 of 3)

Peri

[ pe-ree ]

noun

Ja·co·po [yah-kaw-paw], /ˈyɑ kɔ pɔ/, 1561–1633, Italian composer.

Other definitions for peri- (3 of 3)

peri-

a prefix meaning “about” or “around” (perimeter, periscope), “enclosing” or “surrounding” (pericardium), and “near” (perigee, perihelion), appearing in loanwords from Greek (peripeteia); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (perimorph).

Origin of peri-

<Greek, prefixal use of perí (adv. and preposition)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use peri in a sentence

But in a post-Kardashian world (or at least a peri-Kardashian world), this is an old complaint.
Can the Heart and Blood-Pressure Pill Propranolol Cure Racism? | Kent Sepkowitz | March 13, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
peri somehow learned the English keyboard and used the program.
Afghan Women's Uncertain Future | Ann Marlowe | December 3, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
peri, the top student in the ninth grade, waved off our translator and made it through most of the interview without help.
Afghan Women's Uncertain Future | Ann Marlowe | December 3, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Aristoxenus promises to treat of Systems, 'and among them of the perfect System' (peri te tn alln kai tou teleiou).
The Modes of Ancient Greek Music | David Binning Monro
Of the three extant books the first is obviously a distinct treatise, and should probably be entitled peri archn.
The Modes of Ancient Greek Music | David Binning Monro

(from the words peri de synecheias kai tou hexs), and again pp. 58-72 Meib.
The Modes of Ancient Greek Music | David Binning Monro
I hear the sound of my peri's lute among the cypress trees—she is waiting to embrace me.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction | Various
At the very first steps of peri we slipped about in all directions, like quivering fragments of blancmange.
From the Caves and Jungles of Hindostan | Helena Pretrovna Blavatsky

British Dictionary definitions for peri (1 of 2)

peri

/ (ˈpɪərɪ) /

nounplural -ris

(in Persian folklore) one of a race of beautiful supernatural beings
any beautiful fairy-like creature

Origin of peri

C18: from Persian: fairy, from Avestan pairikā witch

British Dictionary definitions for peri- (2 of 2)

peri-

prefix

enclosing, encircling, or around: pericardium; pericarp; perigon
near or adjacent: perihelion

Origin of peri-

from Greek peri around, near, about

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for peri-

peri-

A prefix that means: around (as in pericardium,) or near (as in perihelion).

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