Definition

1. Noun:
   • A computer peripheral is a piece of electronic equipment connected to and controlled by a computer's central processing unit (CPU), typically via a cable or wireless connection. It expands the computer's capabilities but is not part of the core computer architecture (the CPU and main memory). Peripherals are used for input, output, or storage.

Usage

• General Use: The term is used to describe external hardware devices that provide additional functionality to a computer system.
• Context: Commonly used in computing, technology, and office environments.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The company ordered new computer peripherals, including monitors and keyboards, for the entire office.
  • A printer is a common type of computer peripheral used for producing physical copies of documents.
  • For his home office setup, he needed to buy several essential computer peripherals.

Advanced Usage

• "Peripheral device": A more formal or technical synonym for "computer peripheral."
  • The IT department is responsible for maintaining all peripheral devices connected to the network.

Variants and Related Words

• Peripheral (noun/adjective): When used as a noun, it is a shortened, common form of "computer peripheral." As an adjective, it means secondary or of minor importance.
  • Noun: We need to replace some of the older peripherals.
  • Adjective: That issue is peripheral to our main discussion.

Synonyms

• External device: A device located outside the main computer case.
• Auxiliary device: A device that provides supplementary support.
• I/O device: (Input/Output device) A specific type of peripheral for entering or receiving data.

Related Phrases

• Plug and play peripheral: A peripheral designed to work immediately upon connection with minimal user configuration.
  • Most modern USB drives are plug and play peripherals.

Notes

• The term specifically refers to hardware. Software components are not considered peripherals.
• While historically connected by cable, many modern peripherals use wireless connections (e.g., Bluetooth mice, Wi-Fi printers).

Noun

1. (computer science) electronic equipment connected by cable to the CPU of a computer
   • disk drives and printers are important peripherals