periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik 

1

a

: occurring or recurring at regular intervals

b

: occurring repeatedly from time to time

2

a

: consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages, processes, or digits : cyclic

periodic decimals

a periodic vibration

b

: being a function any value of which recurs at regular intervals

3

: expressed in or characterized by periodic sentences

Synonyms

• constant
• frequent
• habitual
• periodical
• regular
• repeated
• steady

Examples of periodic in a Sentence

He takes the car in for periodic oil changes.

sent out periodic reminders about the office dress code

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the son who succeeded him, Hafez al-Assad tolerated little dissent with oppression widespread and periodic bouts of extreme state violence. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024

But periodic soil and water sampling by land managers could tip them off if the snakes show up. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Dec. 2024

Much more is known about the opposite—rhythmic, or periodic, brain activity—where brain signals happen in rhythmic patterns that contribute to brain functions, such as attention, movement and the processing of sensory information. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Similarly, Los Angeles County’s Audit Division conducts periodic reviews, identifying waste, fraud and opportunities for streamlining processes. —George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing periodic

• periodic acid
• periodic law
• periodic sentence
• periodic table

Kids Definition

periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik 

1

: occurring at regular intervals

2

: consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages

periodic vibrations

Medical Definition

periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik 

: occurring or recurring at regular intervals

periodic epidemics