peri

1 of 2

noun

pe·​ri ˈpir-ē 

1

: a supernatural being in Persian folklore descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until penance is accomplished

2

: a beautiful and graceful girl

peri-

2 of 2

prefix

1

: all around : about

periscope

2

: near

perihelion

3

: enclosing : surrounding

perineurium

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Persian perī fairy, genius, from Middle Persian parīk; akin to Avestan pairikā sorceress

Prefix

Latin, from Greek, around, in excess, from peri; akin to Greek peran to pass through — more at fare

First Known Use

Noun

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1