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Definition of peripherals - 3 dictionary results

pe⋅riph⋅er⋅al

[puh-rif-er-uhl]
–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


pe⋅riph⋅er⋅al⋅ly, adverb
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.
peripheral   (pə-rĭf'ər-əl)  Pronunciation Key 
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.
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