Periodic
/ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsRecurring or appearing at intervals.
/ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk/
Happening or appearing at regular intervals.
The doctor recommended periodic check-ups to monitor my health.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite TV show – it comes on at a specific time every week, right? That's periodic! It means something happens regularly, like clockwork.
👶 For kids: Happening again and again after a certain amount of time.
More Examples
The periodic flashes of lightning illuminated the night sky.
The company issues periodic reports to update investors.
How It's Used
"The periodic table organizes elements by their recurring properties."
"The periodic maintenance on the car keeps it running smoothly."
Relating to, or characteristic of, a period.
/ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk/
Relating to a particular period of time.
The museum's exhibit highlighted periodic artifacts.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, we talk about things that relate to a certain time in history, like the 'Victorian period.' 'Periodic' can also be used that way, to talk about something that fits in that time, like the periodic fashions of the era.
👶 For kids: About a certain time.
More Examples
The economist analyzed the periodic economic cycles.
The journalist wrote about the periodic social trends in that era.
How It's Used
"Scholars study the periodic changes in fashion throughout history."
"The article discussed the periodic shifts in literary themes."
Idioms & expressions
periodic table
A tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, ordered by their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties.
"The periodic table is an essential tool for chemists."
From Late Latin *periodicus*, from Greek *periodikos* 'circulating, recurring', from *periodos* 'a period'.
Used in scientific and philosophical contexts since the 17th century, referring to cycles and recurrence.
Memory tip
Think of a 'period' as a cycle. If something is 'periodic', it follows that cycle.