Standard Lemma guide

peri-

prefix · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • pĕr′ə-
  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌpɛɹ.ə-/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌpeɹ.ə-/
  • Canada, General-American: /ˌpɛɹ.ə-/
  • Australian, New-Zealand: /ˌpeɹ.ə-/
  • Scotland: /ˌpɛɹ.ə-/
  • Scotland: /ˌpɛɹ.ʌ-/
  • India: /ˌpɛ(ː)ɾ.i-/

1

prefix

Meaning 1

surrounding

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: morpheme

Examples

  • peri- + meter → perimeter

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: circum-, para-

Antonyms: none provided

2

prefix

Meaning 2

near

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: morpheme

Examples

  • peri- + helion → perihelion

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: para-

Antonyms: disto-

3

prefix

Meaning 3

during

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: morpheme

Examples

  • peri- + natal → perinatal

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: intra-, mid-

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *per-der. Ancient Greek περῐ́ (perĭ́)der. English peri- From Ancient Greek περί (perí, “about, around”). Cognate to for via Proto-Indo-European.