Peripheral
/pəˈrɪfərəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something.
/pəˈrɪfərəl/
The museum displayed artifacts from the peripheral regions of the ancient empire.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party. Peripheral things are like the snacks table at the edge of the room, or the decorations that are around the main party area. They're important, but not the main focus.
👶 For kids: Something that is on the outside edge, like the sides of a circle!
More Examples
The security cameras captured footage from the peripheral view of the building.
Damage to the car was only peripheral after the accident, as the engine was fine.
How It's Used
"The doctor examined the patient's peripheral vision."
"A printer is considered a peripheral device."
"The peripheral areas of the city were less developed."
A device or piece of equipment that is connected to a computer, but is not essential to its basic operation.
/pəˈrɪfərəl/
The company upgraded its computers and added several new peripherals.
💡 Simply: Like when you hook up a printer or a mouse to your computer. They're useful additions, but the computer still works without them.
👶 For kids: A gadget you can plug into a computer, like a printer or a mouse!
More Examples
The monitor, keyboard, and mouse are common peripherals for a desktop computer.
The old computer couldn't handle the latest peripherals.
How It's Used
"The new printer is a great peripheral to our office setup."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Late Latin *peripherialis*, from Greek *peripheria* meaning 'circumference'.
The term 'peripheral' has been used in scientific and technical contexts since the 17th century, initially to describe physical boundaries and later extended to computer technology.
Memory tip
Think of a perimeter; something on the outside.
Word Origin
"around, on the edge"