period

¹pe·ri·od

noun \ˈpir-ē-əd\

Definition of PERIOD

1

: the completion of a cycle, a series of events, or a single action : conclusion

2

a (1) : an utterance from one full stop to another : sentence (2) : a well-proportioned sentence of several clauses (3) : periodic sentence b : a musical structure or melodic section usually composed of two or more contrasting or complementary phrases and ending with a cadence

3

a : the full pause with which the utterance of a sentence closes b : end, stop

4

obsolete : goal, purpose

5

a (1) : a point . used to mark the end (as of a declarative sentence or an abbreviation) (2) —used interjectionally to emphasize the finality of the preceding statement <I don't remember — period> b : a rhythmical unit in Greek verse composed of a series of two or more cola

6

a : a portion of time determined by some recurring phenomenon b (1) : the interval of time required for a cyclic motion or phenomenon to complete a cycle and begin to repeat itself (2) : a number k that does not change the value of a periodic function f when added to the independent variable; especially : the smallest such number c : a single cyclic occurrence of menstruation

7

a : a chronological division : stage b : a division of geologic time longer than an epoch and included in an era c : a stage of culture having a definable place in time and space

8

a : one of the divisions of the academic day b : one of the divisions of the playing time of a game

Examples of PERIOD

1. We have had two power failures in a five-month period.
2. The period between Christmas and New Year's Eve is a very busy one for us.
3. We are studying our country's colonial period.
4. Children go through many changes during the period of adolescence.

Origin of PERIOD

Middle English periode, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, Latin, & Greek; Medieval Latin periodus period of time, punctuation mark, from Latin & Greek; Latin, rhetorical period, from Greek periodos circuit, period of time, rhetorical period, from peri- + hodos way

First Known Use: circa 1530

Related to PERIOD

Synonyms: menstruation, monthlies

Related Words: menses

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of PERIOD

period, epoch, era, age mean a division of time. period may designate an extent of time of any length <periods of economic prosperity>. epoch applies to a period begun or set off by some significant or striking quality, change, or series of events <the steam engine marked a new epoch in industry>. era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things <the era of global communications>. age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature <the age of Samuel Johnson>.

Rhymes with PERIOD

myriad, nereid, Nereid