peripheral

[ puh-rif-er-uhl ]

adjective

1. relating to, situated in, or constituting the periphery:

   peripheral resistance on the outskirts of the battle area.

2. concerned with relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question.
3. Anatomy. near the surface or outside of; external.
4. Computers. relating to a device or unit that is separate from but connected to a computer, network host, etc.

noun

1. Computers.
   1. a device or unit that operates separately from the CPU but is connected to it, such as a mouse, printer, speakers, etc.
   2. a device or unit that is separate from a network’s host computer but in communication with it, such as a shared input terminal, printer, or backup drive.

peripheral

/ pəˈrɪfərəl /

adjective

1. not relating to the most important part of something; incidental, minor, or superficial
2. of, relating to, or of the nature of a periphery
3. anatomy of, relating to, or situated near the surface of the body

   a peripheral nerve

peripheral

/ pə-rĭf′ər-əl /

Adjective

1. Anatomy.
   Relating to or being the surface or outer part of a body or organ.
2. Relating to or being part of the peripheral nervous system.

Noun

1. Computer Science.
   An auxiliary device, such as a printer or modem, distinct from a computer's central processing unit and working memory, and often connected externally.

peripheral

1. Any part that is separate from a computer 's CPU, such as a printer, a keyboard, or a monitor.

Derived Forms

• peˈripherally, adverb

Other Words From

• pe·riph·er·al·ly adverb
• un·pe·riph·er·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peripheral¹

First recorded in 1800–10; 1965–70 peripheral fordef 4; from Greek peripher(ḗs) ( periphery ( def ) ) + -al ¹( def )

Example Sentences

He ended his time in government with no ministerial brief of his own and was seen by many as a peripheral figure.

From BBC

Sphingolipids have become useful biomarkers for diseases like ASCVD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and neurodegeneration.

From Science Daily

This new insight into the flow of fats through the body points to new therapeutic targets for mitigating diseases like ASCVD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and neurodegeneration.

From Science Daily

As Emery and Webster note in their 2020 paper, even our own visual reality can change dramatically over time through normal development, disease or aging, and according to whether we’re looking at something in the center of our gaze or in our peripheral vision.

From Salon

For one, the great Indian bustard has good peripheral vision but poor frontal vision, making it difficult for them to spot power lines until they fly too close to them.

From BBC

Related Words

• incidental
• tangential