periphery

[puh-rif-uh-ree]

noun

plural

peripheries 

1. the external boundary of any surface or area.

   Synonyms: perimeter, circumference
   Antonyms: center

2. the external surface of a body.

   Antonyms: center

3. the edge or outskirts, as of a city or urban area.

4. the relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question.

   The preliminary research did not, of course, take me beyond the periphery of my problem.

5. Anatomy.,  the area in which nerves end.

periphery

/ pəˈrɪfərɪ /

noun

1. the outermost boundary of an area

2. the outside surface of something

3. anatomy the surface or outermost part of the body or one of its organs or parts

Word History and Origins

Origin of periphery¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Late Latin peripherīa, from Greek periphéreia “circumference,” literally, “a bearing round,” from peri- peri- + phér(ein) “to bear” + -eia -y ³; replacing Middle English periferie, from Medieval Latin periferīa, variant spelling of Late Latin peripherīa

Word History and Origins

Origin of periphery¹

C16: from Late Latin peripherīa, from Greek, from _peri- + pherein to bear

Example Sentences

“Spread dynamics are most pronounced in the periphery,” the rates strategist says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

During 15 years in power she delivered what Delhi prizes most in its periphery: stability, connectivity and a neighbour willing to align its interests with India's rather than China's.

Read more on BBC

I notice, in my periphery, a silver staircase hidden in the corner.

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While the main RSF force rampaged through el-Fasher, a separate group of fighters remained on the periphery of the city, where they engaged in the brutal executions of a number of unarmed captives.

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Likewise, a pair of maps focused on the north and south poles give the Earth a sea-based orientation, centering water with land off to the periphery.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• brink 
• fringe 
• perimeter 
• rim 
• verge