peripheral

UK: pəˈrɪf(ə)rəl | US: pəˈrɪf(ə)rəl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something

  2. adj. secondary or of minor importance

  3. n. (computing) a peripheral device (e.g., printer, scanner)

Structure
peri <around>pher <to carry>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "peripheral" traces back to Greek roots:

  • "peri-" (around) is a common prefix in English (e.g., perimeter, periscope).
  • "-pher-" derives from the Greek "pherein" (to carry), seen in words like "metaphor" (to carry meaning beyond literal sense).
  • The suffix "-al" converts the noun into an adjective.
    Originally used in geometry to describe outer boundaries, it later expanded to describe secondary importance (18th century) and computing devices (20th century). The logic follows the idea of something "carried around" the main focus.
Examples

  1. The city's peripheral neighborhoods are less densely populated.

  2. She focused on core issues, ignoring peripheral details.

  3. The printer is a common peripheral for computers.

  4. Peripheral vision helps detect motion at the edges of our sight.

  5. His role in the project was peripheral but still valuable.