Definition of periodic
1a : occurring or recurring at regular intervalsb : occurring repeatedly from time to time
2a : consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages, processes, or digits : cyclic periodic decimals a periodic vibrationb : being a function any value of which recurs at regular intervals
3 : expressed in or characterized by periodic sentences
From the M-W Editors
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
-
The certifying company conducts periodic surprise audits and reviews the results with the lifeguards and managers.
-
Gunfire could be heard in periodic, thunderous bursts in the capital, while live pictures on local news showed protesters throwing stones at the police.
-
Rising sea levels are already causing periodic flooding in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach.
-
Part of the appeal of the periodic Prospect exhibits, which date back to 2008, is that the art is not confined to museums and galleries.
-
Periodic upgrades to technology infrastructure have helped, but haven’t done the job.
-
This spring in the Missouri legislature, House Bill 1189, which would prohibit cities from any periodic interior inspections of rental property without the tenant’s consent, failed to make it through the session.
-
The court would receive periodic updates on his condition, and if doctors later determined Klein was mentally fit, then the criminal court proceedings against him would proceed.
-
In a period of otherwise extended market calm, geopolitics have been driving periodic bouts of volatility.
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
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
PERIODIC Defined for English Language Learners
periodic
playDefinition of periodic for English Language Learners
-
: happening regularly over a period of time
PERIODIC Defined for Kids
periodic
playDefinition of periodic for Students
: occurring regularly over a period of time
Medical Dictionary
periodic
playMedical Definition of periodic
: occurring or recurring at regular intervals periodic epidemics
Learn More about periodic
-
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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up periodic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!