perimeter

[ puh-rim-i-ter ]
/ pəˈrɪm ɪ tər /

noun

the border or outer boundary of a two-dimensional figure.
the length of such a boundary.
a line bounding or marking off an area.
the outermost limits.
Military. a fortified boundary that protects a troop position.
Ophthalmology. an instrument for determining the peripheral field of vision.

Origin of perimeter

1585–95; < French périmètre < Latin perimetros (feminine) < Greek perímetron (neuter). See peri-, -meter

OTHER WORDS FROM perimeter

pe·rim·e·ter·less, adjective pe·rim·e·tral, per·i·met·ric [per-uh-me-trik] /ˌpɛr əˈmɛ trɪk/, per·i·met·ri·cal, adjective per·i·met·ri·cal·ly, adverb pe·rim·e·try, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH perimeter

parameter perimeter

Example sentences from the Web for perimeter

British Dictionary definitions for perimeter

perimeter
/ (pəˈrɪmɪtə) /

noun

maths
  1. the curve or line enclosing a plane area
  2. the length of this curve or line
  1. any boundary around something, such as a field
  2. (as modifier)a perimeter fence; a perimeter patrol
a medical instrument for measuring the limits of the field of vision

Derived forms of perimeter

perimetric (ˌpɛrɪˈmɛtrɪk) or perimetrical, adjective perimetrically, adverb perimetry, noun

Word Origin for perimeter

C16: from French périmètre, from Latin perimetros; see peri-, -meter

Medical definitions for perimeter

perimeter
[ pə-rĭmĭ-tər ]

n.

The outer limits of an area; circumference.
An instrument used to measure field of vision.

Scientific definitions for perimeter

perimeter
[ pə-rĭmĭ-tər ]

The sum of the lengths of the segments that form the sides of a polygon.
The total length of any closed curve, such as the circumference of a circle.