periodic
1 Americanadjective
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recurring at intervals of time.
periodic revivals of an interest in handicrafts.
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occurring or appearing at regular intervals.
periodic visits by doctors to the village.
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repeated at irregular intervals; intermittent.
periodic outbreaks of the disease.
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Physics. recurring at equal intervals of time.
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Mathematics. (of a function) having a graph that repeats after a fixed interval period of the independent variable.
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Astronomy.
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characterized by a series of successive circuits or revolutions, as the motion of a planet or satellite.
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of or relating to a period, as of the revolution of a heavenly body.
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pertaining to or characterized by rhetorical periods, or periodic sentences.
adjective
adjective
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happening or recurring at intervals; intermittent
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of, relating to, or resembling a period
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having or occurring in repeated periods or cycles
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of periodic1
First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin periodicus, from Greek periodikós; see origin at period, -ic
Origin of periodic2
Explanation
Something periodic happens only occasionally, after a "period" of time. Lunch happens every day, after 4th period, so it's safe to say it's periodic. Something periodic doesn't have to happen at regular intervals, though. The word "period" is the key to the meaning of periodic, because something periodic can happen only after a period of time. Periodic visits to the vet are a good way to make sure that your pet stays healthy. Why not just use "occasional," you ask. Good question. Periodic implies that the thing will continue to happen over and over—periodically. Like comets and victories by the Yankees. These things are reliable, if periodic.
Vocabulary lists containing periodic
Freak the Mighty
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Word Generation Science - Introductory Chemistry Concepts
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Essential English Vocabulary, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Neutrons are particularly useful for detecting light elements on the periodic table, especially hydrogen, while X rays are highly effective at revealing heavier elements.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 24, 2026
Switching high-yield savings accounts likely won’t reap much extra interest money, McAdam noted, but it’s worth considering during a periodic look at one’s finances.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026
I think they are satisfied with maintaining the blockade and with allowing some periodic targeting against Iran's capability to upset the shipping lane in the strait.
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
Since last Thursday, piecemeal Russian airstrikes around the clock have replaced periodic massive barrages at night.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026
When I glimpse a periodic table through the open door of a chemistry classroom, it looks like no less of a jumble.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
