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

Even small, periodic increases in contributions can significantly enhance the compounding effect over time, leading to a larger retirement nest egg. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Rutherford County Schools has also addressed the new legislation with a policy that says materials found in violation are to be removed and periodic reviews of library content should take place. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

There are periodic reviews to make sure companies are in their appropriate sectors. —Bob Pisani, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024

One of these, according to sources, involved paying Cooper Union a lump sum of around $300 million to bring the rent down to less than $15 million a year, with some periodic escalations and a revenue-sharing agreement. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 19 Dec. 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