periphery

pe·riph·ery

noun \pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rē\

plural -er·ies

Definition of PERIPHERY

1

: the perimeter of a circle or other closed curve; also : the perimeter of a polygon

2

: the external boundary or surface of a body

3

a : the outward bounds of something as distinguished from its internal regions or center : confines

b : an area lying beyond the strict limits of a thing

Examples of PERIPHERY

1. <the dogs are confined by an invisible electronic fence that runs along the periphery of the yard>

Origin of PERIPHERY

Middle French peripherie, from Late Latin peripheria, from Greek periphereia, from peripherein to carry around, from peri- + pherein to carry — more at bear

First Known Use: 1571

Related to PERIPHERY

Synonyms

borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, hem, margin, perimeter, border, rim, skirt, skirting, verge

Related Words

ambit; brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip; ceiling, maximum; demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination; borderland, frontier, march, outskirts, pale, selvage; lap; shore

Near Antonyms

center, core, heart; inner, inside, interior, middle, within

pe·riph·ery

noun \pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; -er·ies

Medical Definition of PERIPHERY

1

: the outward bounds of something as distinguished from its internal regions or center

2

: the regions (as the sense organs, the muscles, or the viscera) in which nerves terminate