peripheral

¹pe·riph·er·al

adj \pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rəl\

Definition of PERIPHERAL

1

: of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part

2

a : of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system <peripheral nerves> <peripheral neuritis> b : of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation <peripheral lymphocytes>

3

: of, relating to, or being the outer part of the field of vision <good peripheral vision>

4

: auxiliary, supplementary <peripheral equipment>; also : of or relating to computer peripherals

— pe·riph·er·al·ly adverb

Examples of PERIPHERAL

1. If we focus too much on peripheral issues, we will lose sight of the goal.
2. peripheral devices such as modems and scanners
3. He saw in his peripheral vision that a car was trying to pass him.

First Known Use of PERIPHERAL

1808

Related to PERIPHERAL

Synonyms: accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, supplemental, supplementary

Antonyms: chief, main, principal

Related Words: backup, makeshift, substitute; added, additional, another, further; complementary, contributory; adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping, supportive, tributary; secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary; dispensable, excess, nonessential, superfluous, surplus, unessential

Near Antonyms: basic, fundamental, primary, prime; all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital

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