Dictionary
1peripheral
adjective pe·riph·er·al \pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rəl\
: not relating to the main or most important part
computers : connected to a computer but not an essential part of it
: of or relating to the area that is to the side of the area you are looking at
Full Definition of PERIPHERAL
1
: of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part
2
a : of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system <peripheral nerves> <peripheral neuritis> b : of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation <peripheral lymphocytes>
3
: of, relating to, or being the outer part of the field of vision <good peripheral vision>
4
: auxiliary, supplementary <peripheral equipment>; also : of or relating to computer peripherals
— pe·riph·er·al·ly adverb
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First Known Use of PERIPHERAL
1808
Related to PERIPHERAL
- Synonyms
- accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, supplemental, supplementary
2peripheral
noun
computers : a piece of equipment (such as a printer, speaker, etc.) that is connected to a computer but is not an essential part of it
Full Definition of PERIPHERAL
: a device connected to a computer to provide communication (as input and output) or auxiliary functions (as additional storage)
See peripheral defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PERIPHERAL
1966
Medical Dictionary
peripheral
adjective pe·riph·er·al \pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rəl\
Medical Definition of PERIPHERAL
1
: of, relating to, involving, forming, or located near a periphery or surface part (as of the body)
2
: of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system <peripheral nerves>
3
: of, relating to, or being the outer part of the visual field <good peripheral vision>
4
: of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation <peripheral lymphocytes> <peripheral resistance> <peripheral blood>
—pe·riph·er·al·ly \-ē\ adverb
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