periphery

[ puh-rif-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural pe·riph·er·ies.

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

Some on the town's periphery have few facilities inside or out, with just old swings in the playground.

From BBC

It has seen attacks on its peripheries in recent weeks, but this was the first strike on the settlement itself.

From BBC

In Israel, more than 75,000 people fled homes on Gaza’s periphery.

From Los Angeles Times

Israeli bulldozers have destroyed many shops in the city centre, although those on the periphery were still open.

From BBC

Since his election in 2013, the Pope has urged the Catholic Church to bring God's comfort "toward the periphery" - referring to communities who are marginalised or far away.

From BBC

Related Words

• brink
• fringe
• perimeter
• rim
• verge