perioeci

plural noun

peri·​oe·​ci
ˌperēˈēˌsī
1
: those who live on the same parallel of latitude but on opposite meridians so that it is noon in one place when it is midnight in the other compare antoeci
2
usually capitalized : free citizens without political rights constituting the subject class of ancient Sparta who carried on the trade and industry of the country and served in the armed forces compare helot sense 1, spartiate
perioecic
¦⸗⸗¦ēsik
adjective
or perioecid
-sə̇d

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek perioikoi, literally, neighbors, from plural of perioikos neighboring, from peri- + oikos dwelling, house

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near perioeci

Cite this Entry

“Perioeci.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perioeci. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!