Definition of peripheral
1 : of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part
2a : of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system peripheral nerves peripheral neuritisb : 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
peripherally
adverbPeople Are Reading
Examples of peripheral in a Sentence
If we focus too much on peripheral issues, we will lose sight of the goal.
peripheral devices such as modems and scanners
He saw in his peripheral vision that a car was trying to pass him.
Did You Know?
Your peripheral vision is the outer area of your field of vision, where you can still detect movement and shapes. It can be very valuable when, for instance, you're driving into Chicago at rush hour, especially when switching lanes. When people call an issue in a discussion peripheral, they mean that it's not of primary importance, and they're probably suggesting that everyone get back to the main topic. Peripheral is now also a noun: computer peripherals are the added components—printers, webcams, microphones, etc.—that increase a computer's capacities.
1808
First Known Use of peripheral
1808
peripheral
Definition of peripheral
: a device connected to a computer to provide communication (such as input and output) or auxiliary functions (such as additional storage)
1966
First Known Use of peripheral
1966
PERIPHERAL Defined for English Language Learners
peripheral
playDefinition of peripheral for English Language Learners
-
: not relating to the main or most important part
-
computers : connected to a computer but not an essential part of it
-
: of or relating to the area that is to the side of the area you are looking at
peripheral
Definition of peripheral for English Language Learners
-
computers : a piece of equipment (such as a printer, speaker, etc.) that is connected to a computer but is not an essential part of it
Medical Dictionary
peripheral
playMedical Definition of peripheral
1: of, relating to, involving, forming, or located near a periphery or surface part (as of the body)
2: of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system peripheral nerves
3: of, relating to, or being the outer part of the visual field good peripheral vision
4: of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation peripheral lymphocytes peripheral blood
Learn More about peripheral
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for peripheral Spanish Central: Translation of peripheral Nglish: Translation of peripheral for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of peripheral for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up peripheral? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!