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peripherals

 - 5 dictionary results

pe⋅riph⋅er⋅al

  [puh-rif-er-uhl]
Use peripherals in a Sentence
–adjective
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.
Also, peripheric (for defs. 1–3).

Origin:
1800–10; 1965–70 for def. 4; < Gk peripher(s) (see periphery ) + -al 1

Related forms:
pe⋅riph⋅er⋅al⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To peripherals
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: peripheral vision.

  3. Anatomy

    1. Of the surface or outer part of a body or organ; external.

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

  4. Of minor relevance or importance.

  5. Auxiliary.

n.   Computer Science
An auxiliary device, such as a printer, modem, or storage system, that works in conjunction with a computer.
pe·riph'er·al·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

peripheral

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

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: pe·riph·er·al
Pronunciation: p&-'rif-(&-)r&l
Function: adjective
1 : of, relating to, involving,forming, or located near a periphery or surface part (as of the body)
2 : of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system <peripheralnerves>
3 : of, relating to, or being the outer part of the field of vision peripheral vision>
4 : of, relating to, or being blood in thesystemic circulation <peripheral lymphocytes> <peripheral resistance> <peripheral blood> —pe·riph·er·al·ly /-E/ adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

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.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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