Peripheral — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rəl/ pe·riph·er·al

Meaning & Definition of Peripheral

Peripheral (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part
  2. of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system
  3. of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation

Peripheral (noun)

  1. a device connected to a computer to provide communication (such as input and output) or auxiliary functions (such as additional storage)

Peripheral (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. available to supply something extra when needed

    "the IT consultant suggested that we update the drivers for all of the computer's peripheral devices"

    similar: accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, supplemental, supplementary
    related: backup, makeshift, substitute, added, additional, another, further, complementary, contributory, adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping, supportive, tributary, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, dispensable, excess, nonessential, superfluous, surplus, unessential
    opposite: chief, main, principal
    near: basic, fundamental, primary, prime, all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Peripheral

The most common words with a similar meaning to Peripheral:

accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, supplemental, supplementary

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Peripheral

Words with the opposite meaning of Peripheral:

chief, main, principal

Related Words for Peripheral

backup, makeshift, substitute, added, additional, another, further, complementary, contributory, adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping, supportive, tributary, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, dispensable, excess, nonessential, superfluous, surplus, unessential

Near Antonyms of Peripheral

basic, fundamental, primary, prime, all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital

Word Forms of Peripheral

Derived words: peripherally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Peripheral

First known use: 1808

Words & Phrases Containing Peripheral

peripheral nervous system, peripheral neuropathy

Frequently Asked Questions about Peripheral

What does "Peripheral" mean?

"Peripheral" means of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part.

What is another word for "Peripheral"?

Other words for "Peripheral" include accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, supplemental and supplementary. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Peripheral" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Peripheral"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Peripheral". Common alternatives include accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, supplemental and supplementary.

What is the opposite of "Peripheral"?

Antonyms of "Peripheral" include chief, main and principal. Near antonyms include basic, fundamental, primary and prime.

How do you use "Peripheral" in a sentence?

Examples of "Peripheral" in a sentence: "the IT consultant suggested that we update the drivers for all of the computer's peripheral devices".

Is "Peripheral" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Peripheral" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Peripheral"?

"Peripheral" is pronounced /pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rəl/ and divided into syllables as pe·riph·er·al.

What is the origin of the word "Peripheral"?

First known use: 1808.