peri

[ peer-ee ]
/ ˈpɪər i /

noun, plural pe·ris.

one of a large group of beautiful, fairylike beings of Persian mythology, represented as descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until their penance is accomplished.
any lovely, graceful person.

Origin of peri

1770–80; < Persian perī, variant of parī fairy, Middle Persian parīk, Avestan pairikā witch

Definition for peri (2 of 3)

Peri
[ pe-ree ]
/ ˈpɛ ri /

noun

Ja·co·po [yah-kaw-paw] /ˈyɑ kɔ pɔ/,1561–1633, Italian composer.

Definition for peri (3 of 3)

peri-

a prefix meaning “about” or “around” (perimeter, periscope), “enclosing” or “surrounding” (pericardium), and “near” (perigee, perihelion), appearing in loanwords from Greek (peripeteia); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (perimorph).

Origin of peri-

< Greek, prefixal use of perí (adv. and preposition)

Example sentences from the Web for peri

British Dictionary definitions for peri (1 of 2)

peri
/ (ˈpɪərɪ) /

noun plural -ris

(in Persian folklore) one of a race of beautiful supernatural beings
any beautiful fairy-like creature

Word Origin for peri

C18: from Persian: fairy, from Avestan pairikā witch

British Dictionary definitions for peri (2 of 2)

peri-

prefix

enclosing, encircling, or around pericardium; pericarp; perigon
near or adjacent perihelion

Word Origin for peri-

from Greek peri around, near, about

Medical definitions for peri

peri-

pref.

Around; about; enclosing:perimysium.
Near:perinatal.

Scientific definitions for peri

peri-

A prefix that means: “around” (as in pericardium,) or “near” (as in perihelion).