peri

[ peer-ee ]

/ ˈpɪər i /

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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.

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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 ]

/ ˈpɛ ri /

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|DAILY BEAST
Peri somehow learned the English keyboard and used the program.
Afghan Women's Uncertain Future|Ann Marlowe|December 3, 2010|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|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) /

noun plural -ris

(in Persian folklore) one of a race of beautiful supernatural beings

any beautiful fairy-like creature

Word Origin for peri

C18: from Persian: fairy, from Avestan pairikā witch

British Dictionary definitions for peri (2 of 2)

peri-

prefix

enclosing, encircling, or aroundpericardium; pericarp; perigon

near or adjacentperihelion

Word Origin for 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).