peripheral

[puh-rif-er-uh l] /pəˈrɪf ər əl/
adjective, Also, peripheric (for defs 1–3).
1.
pertaining to, situated in, or constituting the periphery:
peripheral resistance on the outskirts of the battle area.
2.
concerned with relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question.
3.
Anatomy. near the surface or outside of; external.
4.
Computers. of or pertaining to a peripheral.
noun
5.
Computers. a device or unit that operates separately from the CPU but is connected to it, as a magnetic disk or tape unit or a printer.
Origin
1800-10; 1965-70 for def 4; < Greek peripher(ḗs) (see periphery) + -al1
Related forms
peripherally, adverb
unperipheral, adjective
unperipherally, adverb
Examples from the web for peripherals
  • The games also will include fun peripherals to enhance game play.
  • The way that conventional computers solve this problem is through peripherals such as keyboards and mice.
  • Many of the games here require some vigorous swinging of computer peripherals.
  • It would also allow core components to be installed in peripherals.
  • The production of themed gaming peripherals has become a huge industry.
  • Please note that computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and printers are not included in this program.
  • Use of any peripherals not provided by the manufacturer may result in damage not covered by this warranty.
  • Libraries can only purchase peripherals for the new computers.
  • Number of computer workstations with low-vision software and peripherals such as text magnification.
  • Cost savings result from students sharing public domain and network-licensed instructional software as well as peripherals.
British Dictionary definitions for peripherals

peripheral

/pəˈrɪfərəl/
adjective
1.
not relating to the most important part of something; incidental, minor, or superficial
2.
of, relating to, or of the nature of a periphery
3.
(anatomy) of, relating to, or situated near the surface of the body: a peripheral nerve
Derived Forms
peripherally, adverb
Word Origin and History for peripherals

peripheral

adj.

1803, from periphery + -al (1). An earlier formation was peripherial (1670s). Related: Peripherally. As a noun, peripherals, "peripheral devices of a computer," is from 1966.

peripherals in Medicine

peripheral pe·riph·er·al (pə-rĭf'ər-əl)
adj.

  1. Related to, located in, or constituting an outer boundary or periphery.

  2. Perceived or perceiving near the outer edges of the retina.

  3. Of or relating to the surface or outer part of a body or organ; external.

  4. Of, relating to, or being part of the peripheral nervous system.

peripherals in Science
peripheral
  (pə-rĭf'ər-əl)   
Adjective  

  1. Anatomy Relating to or being the surface or outer part of a body or organ.

  2. Relating to or being part of the peripheral nervous system.


Noun  Computer Science An auxiliary device, such as a printer or modem, distinct from a computer's central processing unit and working memory, and often connected externally.
peripherals in Culture

peripheral definition


Any part that is separate from a computer's CPU, such as a printer, a keyboard, or a monitor.