periodic

adjective

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pe·ri·od·ic | \ ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik

Definition of periodic

1a : occurring or recurring at regular intervals

b : occurring repeatedly from time to time

2a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing periodic Learn More About periodic

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 on the Web The periodic loudspeaker announcements about activities on board are in Ukrainian, too. — Rick Noack And Sandra Mehl, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2022 During the pandemic, there had been periodic social-media attacks about my writing, by Little Pinks and others. — Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 9 May 2022 The more subtle risk is of nuclear blackmail, which was a periodic X factor in Cold War struggles between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. — Gerald F. Seib, WSJ, 9 May 2022 It’s certainly true that this short book contains many of his trademarks: discursive and periodic sentences, arcane jargon, endless self-analysis. — Jonathan Russell Clark, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2022 Within a decade, City Hall was making periodic police sweeps to clear out drug dealers in response to complaints from transit riders. — John King, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 June 2021 At first the pig heart was functioning, and the Maryland hospital issued periodic updates that Bennett seemed to be slowly recovering. — STAT, 10 Mar. 2022 At first the pig heart was functioning, and the Maryland hospital issued periodic updates that Bennett seemed to be slowly recovering. — Fox News, 9 Mar. 2022 In addition to reporting major cybersecurity events within four days after uncovering them, companies would be required to provide periodic updates about previous incidents. — Paul Kiernan, WSJ, 9 Mar. 2022 See More

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.