periodic

UK: ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk | US: ˌpɪriˈɑːdɪk

Definition
  1. adj. occurring or appearing at regular intervals

  2. adj. relating to a period or cycle

  3. adj. (chemistry) pertaining to the periodic table of elements

Structure
peri <around>od <way/path>ic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "periodic" originates from the Greek "periodos" (περίοδος), combining "peri-" (around) and "hodos" (way/path). It originally described cyclical events, like celestial orbits, later extending to recurring phenomena in science (e.g., chemical elements' properties). The suffix "-ic" standardizes it as an adjective.

Examples
  1. The professor discussed the periodic nature of economic recessions.

  2. Sodium is a reactive element in the periodic table.

  3. Her visits to the clinic became increasingly periodic.

  4. The comet's appearance is periodic, occurring every 76 years.

  5. The study focused on periodic fluctuations in temperature.