/ pəˈrɪfəri; NAmE / noun [ usually sing. ] ( pl. -ies ) ( formal )
1.
the outer edge of a particular area :
industrial development on the periphery of the town
The condition makes it difficult for patients to see objects at the periphery of their vision.
2.
the less important part of sth, for example of a particular activity or of a social or political group :
minor parties on the periphery of American politics
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (denoting a line that forms the boundary of something): via late Latin from Greek periphereia circumference, from peripherēs revolving around, from peri- around + pherein to bear.