I. pəˈrif(ə)rəl adjective
also peri·pher·ic |perə|ferik, pəˈrifər-
Etymology: peripher- + -al or -ic
1. : of, relating to, or forming a periphery : originating in a periphery : marginal
rotary boiler … was run at various speeds up to a peripheral speed of 830 ft./sec. — G.G.Smith
peripheral parking space
peripheral wars
rather peripheral criticisms of a fine book — Paul Pickrel
security programs which are peripheral to the main business of democratic living — Sidney Hook
such retarded cultures are often spoken of as peripheral whether their situation be on the edges or in the interiors of land masses — A.L.Kroeber
2. : located away from a center or central portion : external ; especially : located at or near the surface of the body
peripheral nerve endings
3. : of, relating to, or involving the surface of the body
peripheral vascular disorders
4. : of or relating to the peripheral field
peripheral acuity
peripheral vision
II. adjective
: auxiliary : supplementary
peripheral equipment
also : of or relating to computer peripherals
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: peripheral , adjective
: a device connected to a computer to provide communication (as input and output) or auxiliary functions (as additional storage)