peripheral

[ puh-rif-er-uhl ]

/ pəˈrɪf ər əl /

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See synonyms for: peripheral / peripherals on Thesaurus.com

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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of peripheral

First recorded in 1800–10; 1965–70 for def. 4; from Greek peripher(ḗs) (see periphery) + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM peripheral

pe·riph·er·al·ly, adverbun·pe·riph·er·al, adjective

Words nearby peripheral

periostracum, periotic, peripatetic, peripatus, peripeteia, peripheral, peripheral device, peripheralism, peripherally, peripheral nervous system, peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use peripheral in a sentence

Circe is a peripheral character in many myths, including the story of the Minotaur and the tragedy of Medea.
Everything Our Editors Loved in January|The Editors|February 4, 2021|Outside Online
This small, handy device allows you to plug additional peripherals into your TV, while also providing a quick, easy way to switch between gaming consoles, media players, and internet streaming devices.
Connect all your entertainment and gaming gear with HDMI switchers|PopSci Commerce Team|January 25, 2021|Popular-Science
If your set-up doesn’t have many peripherals and you only want to add one or two ports to your TV, many budget-priced devices work well.
Connect all your entertainment and gaming gear with HDMI switchers|PopSci Commerce Team|January 25, 2021|Popular-Science
Cylindrical tend to be cheaper in price, but does not allow for the best peripheral vision.
Best ski goggles: What to look for in a pair you’ll love|Eric Alt|January 20, 2021|Popular-Science

Shadow lets you install games from whatever services you already use, including Steam, and works with your peripherals, like controllers.
No PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X? Here's How to Get Your Next-Gen Gaming Fix at Any Budget|Patrick Lucas Austin|December 7, 2020|Time
The play of Sunday, the play of being angels in the choir, is not just a peripheral secondary marginal realm of activity.
Joseph Campbell on the Roots of Halloween|Joseph Campbell|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Because his new novel, The Peripheral, is his most dire yet.
The Daily Beast’s Best Longreads, Oct 20-26, 2014|William Boot|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then I saw something in my peripheral vision, close to my back.
Why Americans Should Love the World Cup|Sean Wilsey|June 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Every few weeks I get so far behind on sleep that I lose my peripheral vision.
Why Men Shouldn’t Wait To Have Kids|Conor P. Williams|March 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They were a small and peripheral player, and now they want to be a main player—if not the main player.
Qatar Sends Aid Money to Help Egypt|Mike Giglio|April 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
When well stained, a delicate hyaline peripheral zone can be distinguished.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Quinin causes them rapidly to disappear from the peripheral blood, and few or none may be found after its administration.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
In general, the central parts of continents are likely to receive much less rainfall than their peripheral portions.
Outlines of the Earth's History|Nathaniel Southgate Shaler
Nearly all central impulses, we now know, arise because of the peripheral ones.
Voice Production in Singing and Speaking|Wesley Mills
The last-named bowl, which has a greater peripheral speed than the others, is hollow and can be heated either by steam or gas.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 3|Various

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, adverb

Collins 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

[ pə-rĭf′ər-əl ]

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.

Cultural definitions for peripheral

peripheral

Any part that is separate from a computer's CPU, such as a printer, a keyboard, or a monitor.

peripheral

Origin of peripheral

OTHER WORDS FROM peripheral

Words nearby peripheral

Words related to peripheral

How to use peripheral in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for peripheral

Derived forms of peripheral

Scientific definitions for peripheral

Cultural definitions for peripheral