perimeter

[puh-rim-i-ter]

noun

1. a line bounding or marking off an area.

   The police created a perimeter with caution tape around the crime scene.

2. the outermost limits.

   Under the new regulations, the smoke-free area for playgrounds and sports areas extends 20 meters from the perimeter of each site.

3. Geometry.

   1. the border or outer boundary of a two-dimensional figure.

   2. the length of such a boundary.

4. Military.,  a fortified boundary that protects a troop position.

5. Ophthalmology.,  an instrument for determining the peripheral field of vision.

6. Basketball.,  Often the perimeter

   1. Also called three-point line. a semicircular line on a basketball court surrounding the basket, outside of which field goals are worth three points rather than two.

   2. the area outside this line (often used attributively).

      There's no player in the NBA who puts more pressure on opposing defenses from the perimeter than him.

      The team needs an efficient point guard with a great perimeter shot.

perimeter

/ ˌpɛrɪˈmɛtrɪk, pəˈrɪmɪtə /

noun

1. maths

   1. the curve or line enclosing a plane area

   2. the length of this curve or line

2. 1. any boundary around something, such as a field

   2. ( as modifier )

      a perimeter fence

      a perimeter patrol

3. a medical instrument for measuring the limits of the field of vision

perimeter

1. The sum of the lengths of the segments that form the sides of a polygon.

2. The total length of any closed curve, such as the circumference of a circle.

Other Word Forms

• perimetry noun
• perimetrically adverb
• perimetric adjective
• perimeterless adjective
• perimetral adjective
• perimetrical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perimeter¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from French périmètre, from Latin perimetros (feminine), from Greek perímetron (neuter); equivalent to peri- + -meter

Word History and Origins

Origin of perimeter¹

C16: from French périmètre, from Latin perimetros; see _peri- , _-meter

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, prison officials had taken down black tarps that had prevented inmates from seeing beyond the camp’s perimeter fencing.

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Musk oxen and snowshoe hares inhabit the base perimeter.

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Oz Daniel, 19, was a sergeant in the IDF's 7th Armoured Brigade and was killed during a battle with Hamas gunmen near the Gaza perimeter fence on 7 October.

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The bulletin states that unmanned aerial system drones “should be considered for deployment” on all fires greater than an acre to assist with infrared heat detection and fire perimeter surveys.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Having her sister around could free Lauren to operate more on the perimeter, where she’s been working on her outside shot.

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Related Words

• boundary 
• confines www.thesaurus.com
• edge 
• fringe 
• periphery