periodicity
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of periodicity
From the French word périodicité, dating back to 1825–35. See periodic 1, -ity
Explanation
The characteristic of happening regularly is periodicity. In a given school day, you're sure to notice the periodicity of the bells ringing after class at predictable, regular intervals. The adjective periodicity is almost always used in a scientific or technical context (in more casual conversation, you'd be more likely to say regularity or even rhythm). In nature, there are many examples of periodicity, from the daily sunrise and sunset to the phases of the moon and the recurrence of the seasons. Periodicity is closely related to periodic, from the Greek root periodos, "cycle."
Vocabulary lists containing periodicity
The ACT Math Test: Functions
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Functions - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week In Culture: February 8–14, 2020
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Even the periodicity of time had a different reckoning.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
There seems to be a seven-year periodicity with these fireballs.
From BBC • Nov. 9, 2024
Annual cicadas do not have the periodicity of the magicicada that are emerging soon.
From New York Times • May 8, 2024
This feature is achievable because quantum computers operate in a realm known as "quantum space," characterized by periodicity, and no need for endless subdivisions.
From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023
There is no other agent known which is capable of originating morbid phenomena characterized by such marked diurnal periodicity.
From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various
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.
