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).

pertaining 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. of or relating to a peripheral.

noun

Computers. a device or unit that operates separately from the CPU but is connected to it, as a mouse, printer, speakers, etc.

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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, adjectiveun·pe·riph·er·al·ly, adverb

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

How to use peripheral in a sentence

A curved monitor can make things feel more immersive, create a sense of peripheral vision, and also give you an expanded field of view, which can be helpful for many games.
Best gaming monitor: Five things to consider|Carsen Joenk|November 26, 2020|Popular-Science
This makes use of the fact our peripheral vision is blurry, regardless of medium, thus saving precious processing power.
New Display Packs 10,000 PPI and Could Paint Stunning VR Worlds|Jason Dorrier|November 1, 2020|Singularity Hub
Moments later, he was sure he saw a gray apparition in his peripheral view.
Why do we see ghosts?|Jake Bittle|October 6, 2020|Popular-Science
You have peripheral vision to the bottom, top and both sides of anywhere you look.
You don’t see as much color as you think|Bethany Brookshire|August 21, 2020|Science News For Students

If they were just looking around, they weren’t paying attention to their peripheral vision.
You don’t see as much color as you think|Bethany Brookshire|August 21, 2020|Science News For Students
Now, until now, I have not weighed in on the Michael Brown shooting—except peripherally.
Untruth and Consequences in Ferguson|Matt Lewis|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The film does appear to peripherally involve corrupt politicians.
A Political History of the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’|Asawin Suebsaeng|August 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The News From Spain By Joan Wickersham Seven heart-rending love stories only peripherally about Spain.
This Week’s Hot Reads, Sept. 24, 2012: David Denby, Alex Witchel & More|Mythili Rao|September 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
During the weeks of debate, the White House stayed only peripherally involved.
Government Shutdown Averted|Daniel Stone|September 27, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Sensations are said to be 'peripherally initiated', while emotions are centrally initiated.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia|Various
The infiltration spreads, the ulcer enlarges both peripherally and in depth— muscle, cartilage and bone often becoming invaded.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin|Henry Weightman Stelwagon
The mass flattens and spreads peripherally, until finally it is divided into two layers.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation|Austin O'Malley
Such material is, however, only peripherally related to the study of language.
Diego Collado's Grammar of the Japanese Language|Diego Collado
The majority of black Coast Guardsmen were only peripherally concerned with this wartime evolution of racial policy.
Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965|Morris J. MacGregor, Jr.

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 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