peripheral

[ puh-rif-er-uh l ]
/ pəˈrɪf ər əl /

adjective Also peripheric (for defs 1–3).

pertaining to, situated in, or constituting the periphery: peripheral resistance on the outskirts of the battle area.
concerned with relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question.
Anatomy. near the surface or outside of; external.
Computers. of or relating to a peripheral.

noun

Computers. a device or unit that operates separately from the CPU but is connected to it, as a magnetic disk or tape unit or a printer.

Origin of peripheral

1800–10; 1965–70 for def 4; < Greek peripher(ḗs) (see periphery) + -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM peripheral

pe·riph·er·al·ly, adverb un·pe·riph·er·al, adjective un·pe·riph·er·al·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for peripheral

British Dictionary definitions for peripheral

peripheral
/ (pəˈrɪfərəl) /

adjective

not relating to the most important part of something; incidental, minor, or superficial
of, relating to, or of the nature of a periphery
anatomy of, relating to, or situated near the surface of the body a peripheral nerve

Derived forms of peripheral

peripherally, adverb

Medical definitions for peripheral

peripheral
[ pə-rĭfər-əl ]

adj.

Related to, located in, or constituting an outer boundary or periphery.
Perceived or perceiving near the outer edges of the retina.
Of or relating to the surface or outer part of a body or organ; external.
Of, relating to, or being part of the peripheral nervous system.

Scientific definitions for peripheral

peripheral
[ pə-rĭfər-əl ]

Adjective

Anatomy Relating to or being the surface or outer part of a body or organ.
Relating to or being part of the peripheral nervous system.

Noun

Computer Science An auxiliary device, such as a printer or modem, distinct from a computer's central processing unit and working memory, and often connected externally.

Cultural definitions for peripheral

peripheral

Any part that is separate from a computer's CPU, such as a printer, a keyboard, or a monitor.