Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Related to the key issue but not of central importance: Describing something that is connected to a main subject but is secondary, minor, or less important.
   • On or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary; the outer area: Describing something located at or relating to the outer limits or edge of a space, system, or body.

2. Noun:

   • (Computer science) Electronic equipment connected by cable to the CPU of a computer: A device, such as a printer, keyboard, or monitor, that is connected to and controlled by a central computer but is not part of the core computer system (CPU).

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The meeting focused on the core budget, with only a brief discussion of peripheral matters like office supplies.
  • He had only a peripheral role in the project, handling minor administrative tasks.
  • The city is expanding into peripheral suburbs.
  • Peripheral vision allows you to see objects to your side without looking directly at them.

• Noun:

  • The computer setup includes several peripherals: a scanner, an external hard drive, and a webcam.
  • You need to install the correct driver for the new peripheral to work properly.

Advanced Usage

• "Peripheral to": Used to indicate something is minor or secondary in relation to something else.
  • His concerns were peripheral to the main argument of the debate.
• "Peripheral nervous system": A specific biological term referring to the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.
  • The sensory nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system.

Variants and Related Words

• Periphery (n): The outer limits or edge of an area or object.
  • New housing was built on the periphery of the town.
• Peripherally (adv): In a way that is not central or of main importance.
  • She was only peripherally involved in the negotiations.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Secondary, incidental, marginal, tangential, outer, exterior.
• Noun: Accessory, device, add-on, component.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Central, core, fundamental, primary, inner.
• Noun: Core component, central processing unit (CPU).

Related Phrases

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): A medical condition involving narrowing of the peripheral arteries, usually in the legs.
• Peripheral device: Another term for a peripheral (noun) in computing.

Adjective

1. related to the key issue but not of central importance
   • a peripheral interest
   • energy is far from a peripheral issue in the economy
   • peripheral issues
2. on or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary; the outer area
   • Russia's peripheral provinces
   • peripheral suburbs

Noun

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