Peripheral is a nine-letter word that is pronounced as /pəˈrɪfərəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word starts with the letter 'p', followed by the schwa sound /ə/. The next three letters 'r', 'i', and 'f' form the consonant cluster /rɪf/. The third syllable contains the open vowel /ə/ again, followed by the consonant /r/. The final syllable consists of the letters 'a' and 'l', pronounced as the vowel sound /əl/. The spelling of the word reflects its etymology from the Greek word 'periphēros'.
Peripheral (noun)
1. A peripheral refers to an external device or component that is connected to a computer or other primary device. It expands the functionality and capabilities of the primary device by providing additional features or input/output options. Common examples of peripherals include printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, speakers, and external storage devices.
2. In anatomy, a peripheral refers to parts of the human body situated away from the center or core, particularly the limbs. This includes the arms, legs, hands, and feet. The peripheral anatomy is essential for movements, sensations, and coordination with the central nervous system.
Peripheral (adjective)
1. Pertaining to or constituting an outer boundary, margin, or region. In this context, peripheral is used to describe something situated on the outskirts or periphery of a larger whole.
2. Relating to secondary or non-essential details or aspects. It refers to elements that are subordinate or less significant.
3. Of lesser importance or relevance in a given context. For instance, in computer science, peripheral devices are considered secondary to the primary computing system.
4. In the field of medicine, peripheral is often used to describe conditions or diseases that affect the peripheral nervous system, which is outside the brain and spinal cord. These can include disorders related to peripheral nerves, such as neuropathy, sciatica, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Relating to or situated at the periphery, peripheric.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Pert. to a periphery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "peripheral" is derived from the Greek word "periphereia", which means "circumference" or "outer area". It is a combination of "peri" meaning "around" or "surrounding" and "pherein" meaning "to bear" or "to carry". The term was first used in English in the mid-18th century to refer to something situated on the outskirts or periphery of an area or system. Over time, it has come to commonly refer to devices or components that are connected to a computer or a main system, but are not the primary or central part of it.