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peripheral
[ puh-rif-er-uhl ]
/ pəˈrɪf ər əl /
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adjective Also peripheric (for defs. 1-3).
relating to, situated in, or constituting the periphery: peripheral resistance on the outskirts of the battle area.
concerned with relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question.
Anatomy. near the surface or outside of; external.
Computers. relating to a device or unit that is separate from but connected to a computer, network host, etc.
noun
Computers.
- a device or unit that operates separately from the CPU but is connected to it, such as a mouse, printer, speakers, etc.
- a device or unit that is separate from a network’s host computer but in communication with it, such as a shared input terminal, printer, or backup drive.
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Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of peripheral
OTHER WORDS FROM peripheral
pe·riph·er·al·ly, adverbun·pe·riph·er·al, adjectiveWords nearby peripheral
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use peripheral in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for peripheral
peripheral
/ (pəˈrɪfərəl) /
adjective
not relating to the most important part of something; incidental, minor, or superficial
of, relating to, or of the nature of a periphery
anatomy of, relating to, or situated near the surface of the bodya peripheral nerve
Derived forms of peripheral
peripherally, adverbCollins 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 peripheral
peripheral
[ pÉ™-rÄf′ər-É™l ]
Adjective
Anatomy Relating to or being the surface or outer part of a body or organ.
Relating to or being part of the peripheral nervous system.
Noun
Computer Science An auxiliary device, such as a printer or modem, distinct from a computer's central processing unit and working memory, and often connected externally.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for peripheral
peripheral
Any part that is separate from a computer's CPU, such as a printer, a keyboard, or a monitor.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.