/ ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk; NAmE ˌpɪriˈɑːdɪk/ (also less frequent peri·od·ical / -kl; NAmE /) adjective
[ usually before noun ] happening fairly often and regularly :
Periodic checks are carried out on the equipment.
► peri·od·ic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb :
Mailing lists are updated periodically.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from French périodique , or via Latin from Greek periodikos coming round at intervals, from periodos orbit, recurrence, course, from peri- around + hodos way, course.