period
UK: ˈpɪəriəd | US: ˈpɪriəd
n. a length or portion of time
n. a punctuation mark (.) used to end a sentence
n. a recurring cycle, such as a menstrual period
n. (historical) a division of geological time
The word "period" originates from the Greek "periodos" (περίοδος), combining "peri-" (around) and "hodos" (way/path). It originally referred to a cyclical or recurring interval, such as the orbit of a celestial body. Over time, it broadened to denote any defined span of time or a complete cycle. The punctuation sense emerged from the idea of a "full stop" in speech or writing.
The Cretaceous period lasted approximately 79 million years.
Always end declarative sentences with a period.
She tracks her menstrual period using a mobile app.
The lecture covered the Baroque period in art history.
The contract will expire after a six-month period.