periodic

¹ American  

[peer-ee-od-ik] / ˌpɪər iˈɒd ɪk /

adjective

1. recurring at intervals of time.

   periodic revivals of an interest in handicrafts.

2. occurring or appearing at regular intervals.

   periodic visits by doctors to the village.

3. repeated at irregular intervals; intermittent.

   periodic outbreaks of the disease.

4. Physics. recurring at equal intervals of time.

5. Mathematics. (of a function) having a graph that repeats after a fixed interval period of the independent variable.

6. Astronomy.

   1. characterized by a series of successive circuits or revolutions, as the motion of a planet or satellite.

   2. of or relating to a period, as of the revolution of a heavenly body.

7. pertaining to or characterized by rhetorical periods, or periodic sentences.

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periodic ² American  

[pur-ahy-od-ik] / ˌpɜr aɪˈɒd ɪk /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. of or derived from a periodic acid.

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periodic British  

/ ˌpɪərɪˈɒdɪk, ˌpɪərɪəˈdɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. happening or recurring at intervals; intermittent

2. of, relating to, or resembling a period

3. having or occurring in repeated periods or cycles

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Other Word Forms

• periodically adverb
• periodicity noun

Etymology

Origin of periodic¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin periodicus, from Greek periodikós; period, -ic

Origin of periodic²

First recorded in 1830–40; per- + iodic

Example Sentences

Exceptions include distributions for large healthcare expenses, for hardship caused by permanent and total disability and for periodic payments over a lifetime.

From MarketWatch

It has long held a spot on the periodic table of elements, but has remained under the radar despite its use in military systems, self-driving vehicles and fast chargers for laptops.

From The Wall Street Journal

The National Highways' periodic reviews of England's smart motorways check the projects against their original objectives, including looking at the impact on safety, environmental benefits and their effects on congestion and journey times.

From BBC

These experiments rely on lasers and optical components to form a periodic trap that forces particles into a repeating pattern, similar to how Jello takes shape inside an ice cube tray.

From Science Daily

These evergreen funds combine features of private and public funds, offering investors some ability to buy and sell shares, and receive periodic net asset value pricing.

From Barron's

Related Words

• annual
• intermittent
• monthly
• occasional
• recurrent
• recurring
• regular
• repeated
• routine
• seasonal
• sporadic
• weekly
• yearly