periodic

adjective pe·ri·od·ic \ ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik \

Updated on: 25 May 2018

Definition of periodic

1 a : occurring or recurring at regular intervals

b : occurring repeatedly from time to time

2 a : consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages, processes, or digits : cyclic

periodic decimals

a periodic vibration

b : being a function any value of which recurs at regular intervals

3 : expressed in or characterized by periodic sentences

See periodic defined for English-language learners

See periodic defined for kids

Examples of periodic in a Sentence

He takes the car in for periodic oil changes.
sent out periodic reminders about the office dress code

Recent Examples of periodic from the Web

Mononymous divas Madonna, Rihanna, and Cher are iconic testaments to this periodic phenomenon.

— devon abelman, Allure, "Taeyong of NCT Opens Up to Allure About the Importance of Hair and Makeup in K-Pop," 16 May 2018
The agency is about to embark on a periodic review of key air pollution limits, including those governing particulates.

— warren cornwall, Science | AAAS, "Critics allege EPA’s new transparency rule has hidden pro-industry agenda," 1 May 2018
However, the event’s website has been set up to give periodic updates.

— marco santana, OrlandoSentinel.com, "OrlandoiX announces dates for fourth annual tech conference," 27 Apr. 2018
Metro Transit police, which is a subsection of the Sheriff’s Office, includes dozens of deputies who offer surveillance on buses, sometimes by riding along with passengers or doing periodic checks, Jutilla said.

— jessica lee, The Seattle Times, "After #MeToo movement, King County Metro Transit sees more reports of sexual misconduct," 26 Apr. 2018
Would-be retirees often meticulously estimate day-to-day expenses, but forget to factor in more periodic, and mostly predictable, expenses like a new car or a new roof.

— neal templin, WSJ, "Where Retirees Underestimate Spending," 18 Apr. 2018
That has prompted nationwide strikes that have disrupted train traffic, and the unions plan periodic rolling strikes through June.

— sylvie corbet, BostonGlobe.com, "Despite protests, Macron vows to press on, reform France’s economy," 12 Apr. 2018
Unions are planning periodic two-day strikes through June to try to counter the French government’s plans to abolish a benefits system that allows train drivers and other workers to have jobs for life.

— Washington Post, "Commuters struggle with new French strikes as unions dig in," 9 Apr. 2018
That means periodic workout sessions through the Orlando Magic’s partnership with RDV Sportsplex in Maitland.

— marco santana, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando Magic Gaming pushing players' physical, mental fitness," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'periodic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of periodic

1650

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

periodic Synonyms

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

PERIODIC Defined for English Language Learners

periodic

adjective

Definition of periodic for English Language Learners

: happening regularly over a period of time

PERIODIC Defined for Kids

periodic

adjective pe·ri·od·ic \ ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik \

Definition of periodic for Students

: occurring regularly over a period of time

Medical Dictionary

periodic

adjective pe·ri·od·ic \ ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik \

medical Definition of periodic

: occurring or recurring at regular intervals

periodic epidemics

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for periodic Spanish Central: Translation of periodic Nglish: Translation of periodic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of periodic for Arabic speakers

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periodic

Definition of periodic

Examples of periodic in a Sentence

Recent Examples of periodic from the Web

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periodic Synonyms

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Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

PERIODIC Defined for English Language Learners

periodic

Definition of periodic for English Language Learners

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periodic

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Medical Dictionary

periodic

medical Definition of periodic

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