Periagua - Period

Prev Next

Periagua (?), n. See .
[ Webster]

Perianth (?), n. [Pref. peri- + Gr. � flower: cf. F. périanthe.] (Bot.) (a) The leaves of a flower generally, especially when the calyx and corolla are not readily distinguished. (b) A saclike involucre which incloses the young fruit in most hepatic mosses. See Illust. of .
[ Webster]

Perianthium (?), n. [NL.] (Bot.) The perianth.
[ Webster]

Periapt (?), n. [Gr. �, fr. � hung about, � to hang about; � about + � to tie: cf. F. périapte.] A charm worn as a protection against disease or mischief; an amulet. Coleridge.
[ Webster]

Now help, ye charming spells and periapts. Shak.
[ Webster]

Periastral (?), a. Among or around the stars. “Comets in periastral passage.” R. A. Proctor.
[ Webster]

Periastron (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. � about + � a star.] (Astron.) That point, in the real or apparent orbit of one star revolving around another, at which the former is nearest to the latter.
[ Webster]

Periauger (?), n. See . W. Irving.
[ Webster]

Periblast (?), a. [Gr. � to grow around. See , and .] (Biol.) The protoplasmic matter which surrounds the entoblast, or cell nucleus, and undergoes segmentation. -- Periblastic, a.
[ Webster]

Periblem (?), n. [Pref. peri- + root of Gr. � to sprout.] (Bot.) Nascent cortex, or immature cellular bark.
[ Webster]

Peribolos (?), n. [Nl., fr. Gr. �, fr. �, adj., going round, fr. � to throw round; cf. L. peribolus.] In ancient architecture, an inclosed court, esp., one surrounding a temple.
[ Webster]

Peribranchial (?), a. (Anat.) Surrounding the branchiæ; as, a peribranchial cavity.
[ Webster]

Peribranchial (?), a. (Anat.) Around the bronchi or bronchial tubes; as, the peribronchial lymphatics.
[ Webster]

Pericambium (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Biol.) A layer of thin-walled young cells in a growing stem, in which layer certain new vessels originate.
[ Webster]

{ Pericardiac (?), Pericardial (?), } a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to pericardium; situated around the heart.
[ Webster]

Coloq. Pericardial fluid (Physiol.), a serous fluid of a pale yellow color contained in the pericardium.
[ Webster]

Pericardian (?), a. Pericardiac.
[ Webster]

Pericardic (?), a. Pericardiac.
[ Webster]

Pericarditus (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Med.) Inflammation of the pericardium. Dunglison.
[ Webster]

Pericardium (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. �, fr. � about or near the heart; � about + � heart.] (Anat.) The double baglike fold of serous membrane which incloses the heart.
[ Webster]

☞ The inner layer is closely adherent to the outer surface of the heart, and is called the cardiac pericardium. The outer layer loosely incloses the heart and the adherent inner layer, and is called the parietal pericardium. At the base of the heart the two layers are continuous, and form a narrow closed cavity filled with fluid, in which the pulsations of the heart cause little friction.
[ Webster]

Pericarp (?), n. [Gr. �; � around + � fruit: cf. F. péricarpe.] (Bot.) The ripened ovary; the walls of the fruit. See Illusts. of , , and .
[ Webster]

{ Pericarpial (?), Pericarpic (?) }, a. (Bot.) Of or pertaining to a pericarp.
[ Webster]

Pericellular (?), a. (Anat.) Surrounding a cell; as, the pericellular lymph spaces surrounding ganglion cells.
[ Webster]

Perichæth (?), n. [See .] (Bot.) The leafy involucre surrounding the fruit stalk of mosses; perichætium; perichete.
[ Webster]

Perichætial (?), a. (Bot.) Of or pertaining to the perichæth.
[ Webster]

Perichætium (?), n.; pl. Perichætia (#). [NL., fr. Gr. � about + � flowing hair, foliage.] (Bot.) Same as .
[ Webster]

Perichætous (?), a. [See .] (Zoöl.) Surrounded by setæ; -- said of certain earthworms (genus Perichætus).
[ Webster]

Perichete (?), n. Same as .
[ Webster]

Perichondrial (?), a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the perichondrium; situated around cartilage.
[ Webster]

Perichondritis (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Med.) Inflammation of the perichondrium.
[ Webster]

Perichondrium (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. � around + � cartilage.] (Anat.) The membrane of fibrous connective tissue which closely invests cartilage, except where covering articular surfaces.
[ Webster]

Perichordal (?), a. Around the notochord; as, a perichordal column. See .
[ Webster]

{ Periclase (?), Periclasite (?), } n. [Pref. peri- + Gr. � to break.] (Min.) A grayish or dark green mineral, consisting essentially of magnesia (magnesium oxide), occurring in granular forms or in isometric crystals.
[ Webster]

Periclinium (?), n.; pl. Periclinia (#). [NL., fr. Gr. � around + � a bed.] (Bot.) The involucre which surrounds the common receptacle in composite flowers.
[ Webster]

Periclitate (?), v. t. [L. periclitatus, p. p. of periclitari, fr. periculum.] To endanger. [Obs.]
[ Webster]

Periclitating, pardi! the whole family. Sterne.
[ Webster]

Periclitation (?), n. [L. periclitatio: cf. F. périclitation.] 1. Trial; experiment. [Obs.]
[ Webster]

2. The state of being in peril. [Obs.]
[ Webster]

Pericope (?), n. [L., section of a book, Gr. �; � around + � to cut.] A selection or extract from a book; especially (Theol.), a selection from the Bible, appointed to be read in the churches or used as a text for a sermon.
[ Webster]

Pericranial (?), a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the pericranium.
[ Webster]

Pericranium (?), n. [NL.] (Anat.) The periosteum which covers the cranium externally; the region around the cranium.
[ Webster]

Periculous (?), a. [L. periculosus. See .] Dangerous; full of peril. [Obs.]
[ Webster]

Periculum (?), n.; pl. Pericula (#). [L.] (Rom. & O.Eng. Law) 1. Danger; risk.
[ Webster]

2. In a narrower, judicial sense: Accident or casus, as distinguished from dolus and culpa, and hence relieving one from the duty of performing an obligation.
[ Webster]

Pericystitis (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Med.) Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the bladder.
[Webster Suppl.]

Periderm (?), n. 1. (Bot.) The outer layer of bark.
[ Webster]

2. (Zoöl.) The hard outer covering of hydroids and other marine animals; the perisarc.
[ Webster]

Peridiastole (?), n. (Physiol.) The almost inappreciable time which elapses between the systole and the diastole of the heart.
[ Webster]

Peridium (?), n.; pl. Peridia (#). [NL., fr. Gr. � about + �, a dim. ending.] (Bot.) The envelope or coat of certain fungi, such as the puffballs and earthstars.
[ Webster]

Peridot (?), n. [F. péridot.] (Min.) Chrysolite.
[ Webster]

Peridotite (?), n. [Cf. F. péridotite.] (Min.) An eruptive rock characterized by the presence of chrysolite (peridot). It also usually contains pyroxene, enstatite, chromite, etc. It is often altered to serpentine.
[ Webster]

☞ The chief diamond deposits in South Africa occur in a more or less altered peridotite.
[ Webster]

Peridrome (?), n. [Gr. �, fr. � running around, fr. � to run round; � round + � to run: cf. F. péridrome.] (Archæol.) The space between the columns and the wall of the cella, in a Greek or a Roman temple.
[ Webster]

Periecians (?), n. pl. See .
[ Webster]

Perienteron (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Anat.) The primitive perivisceral cavity.
[ Webster]

Periergy (?), n. [Gr. �, fr. � overcareful; � about, beyond + � work.] 1. Excessive care or diligence. [Obs.]
[ Webster]

2. (Rhet.) A bombastic or labored style. [R.]
[ Webster]

Periganglionic (?), a. (Anat.) Surrounding a ganglion; as, the periganglionic glands of the frog.
[ Webster]

Perigastric (?), a. (Zoöl.) Surrounding the stomach; -- applied to the body cavity of Bryozoa and various other Invertebrata.
[ Webster]

Perigean (?), a. Pertaining to the perigee.
[ Webster]

Coloq. Perigean tides , those spring tides which occur soon after the moon passes her perigee.
[ Webster]

{ Perigee (?), Perigeum (?), } n. [NL. perigeum, fr. Gr. � about, near + � the earth: cf. F. périgée.] (Astron.) That point, in the orbit of the moon or other body orbiting the earth, which is nearest to the earth; -- opposed to apogee. It is sometimes, but rarely, used of the nearest points of bodies not orbiting the earth, such as of a comet, a planet, etc. Called also epigee, epigeum.
[ Webster +PJC]

Perigenesis (?), n. (Biol.) A theory which explains inheritance by the transmission of the type of growth force possessed by one generation to another.
[ Webster]

Perigenetic (?), a. (Biol.) Of or pertaining to perigenesis.
[ Webster]

Perigone (?), n. [Pref. peri- + Gr. � productive organs.] 1. (Bot.) (a) Any organ inclosing the essential organs of a flower; a perianth. (b) In mosses, the involucral bracts of a male flower.
[ Webster]

2. (Zoöl.) A sac which surrounds the generative bodies in the gonophore of a hydroid.
[ Webster]

Perigonium (?), n.; pl. Perigonia (#). [NL.] Same as .
[ Webster]

Perigord pie (?). [From Périgord, a former province of France.] A pie made of truffles, much esteemed by epicures.
[ Webster]

Perigraph (?), n. [Gr. � outline; � round, about + � to write.] A careless or inaccurate delineation of anything. [R.]
[ Webster]

Perigynium (?), n.; pl. Perigynia (#). [NL. See .] (Bot.) Some unusual appendage about the pistil, as the bottle-shaped body in the sedges, and the bristles or scales in some other genera of the Sedge family, or Cyperaceæ.
[ Webster]

Perigynous (?), a. [Pref. peri- + Gr. � woman.] (Bot.) Having the ovary free, but the petals and stamens borne on the calyx; -- said of flower such as that of the cherry or peach.
[ Webster]

{ Perihelion (?), Perihelium (?), } n.; pl. Perihelia (#). [NL., fr. Gr. � about, near + � the sun.] (Astron.) That point of the orbit of a planet or comet which is nearest to the sun; -- opposed to aphelion.
[ Webster]

Peril (?), n. [F. péril, fr. L. periculum, periclum, akin to peritus experienced, skilled, and E. fare. See , and cf. .] Danger; risk; hazard; jeopardy; exposure of person or property to injury, loss, or destruction.
[ Webster]

In perils of waters, in perils of robbers. 2 Cor. xi. 26.
[ Webster]

Adventure hard
With peril great achieved. Milton.
[ Webster]

Coloq. At one's peril , or Coloq. On one's peril , with risk or danger to one; at the hazard of. “On thy soul's peril.” Shak.
[ Webster]

Syn. -- Hazard; risk; jeopardy. See .
[ Webster]

Peril, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Periled (?) or Perilled; p. pr. & vb. n. Periling or Perilling.] To expose to danger; to hazard; to risk; as, to peril one's life.
[ Webster]

Peril (?), v. i. To be in danger. [Obs.] Milton.
[ Webster]

Perilla (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Bot.) A genus of labiate herbs, of which one species (Perilla ocimoides, or Perilla Nankinensis) is often cultivated for its purple or variegated foliage.
[ Webster]

Perilous (?), a. [OF. perillous, perilleus, F. périlleux, L. periculosus. See .] [Written also perillous.] 1. Full of, attended with, or involving, peril; dangerous; hazardous; as, a perilous undertaking.
[ Webster]

Infamous hills, and sandy, perilous wilds. Milton.
[ Webster]

2. Daring; reckless; dangerous. [Obs.] Latimer.
[ Webster]

For I am perilous with knife in hand. Chaucer.
[ Webster]

-- Perilously, adv. -- Perilousness, n.
[ Webster]

Perilymph (?), n. (Anat.) The fluid which surrounds the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear, and separates it from the walls of the chambers in which the labyrinth lies.
[ Webster]

Perilymphangial (?), a. (Anat.) Around, or at the side of, a lymphatic vessel.
[ Webster]

Perilymphatic (?), a. (Anat.) (a) Pertaining to, or containing, perilymph. (b) Perilymphangial.
[ Webster]

Perimeter (?), n. [Gr. �; � around + � measure: cf. F. périmètre.] 1. (Geom.) The outer boundary of a body or figure, or the sum of all the sides.
[ Webster]

2. An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
[ Webster]

{ Perimetric (?), Perimetrical (?), } a. Of or pertaining to the perimeter, or to perimetry; as, a perimetric chart of the eye.
[ Webster]

Perimetry (?), n. The art of using the perimeter; measurement of the field of vision.
[ Webster]

Perimorph (?), n. [Pref. peri- + Gr. morfh form.] (Min.) A crystal of one species inclosing one of another species. See .
[ Webster]

Perimysial (?), a. (Anat.) (a) Surrounding a muscle or muscles. (b) Of or pertaining to the perimysium.
[ Webster]

Perimysium (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. � about + � muscle.] (Anat.) The connective tissue sheath which surrounds a muscle, and sends partitions inwards between the bundles of muscular fibers.
[ Webster]

Perinæum (?), n. See .
[ Webster]

Perineal (?), a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the perineum.
[ Webster]

Perineoplasty (?), n. [Perineum + -plasty.] (Med.) The act or process of restoring an injured perineum.
[ Webster]

Perineorrhaphy (?), n. [Perineum + Gr. � to sew.] (Med.) The operation of sewing up a ruptured perineum.
[ Webster]

Perinephritis (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Med.) Inflammation of the cellular tissue around the kidney. -- Perinephritic, a.
[ Webster]

Perineum (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. �, �.] (Anat.) The region which is included within the outlet of the pelvis, and is traversed by the urinogenital canal and the rectum.
[ Webster]

Perineurial (?), a. (Anat.) Surrounding nerves or nerve fibers; of or pertaining to the perineurium.
[ Webster]

Perineurium (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. � about + � a nerve.] (Anat.) The connective tissue sheath which surrounds a bundle of nerve fibers. See , and .
[ Webster]

Perinuclear (?), a. (Biol.) Of or pertaining to a nucleus; situated around a nucleus; as, the perinuclear protoplasm.
[ Webster]

Period (?), n. [L. periodus, Gr. � a going round, a way round, a circumference, a period of time; � round, about + � a way: cf. F. période.] 1. A portion of time as limited and determined by some recurring phenomenon, as by the completion of a revolution of one of the heavenly bodies; a division of time, as a series of years, months, or days, in which something is completed, and ready to recommence and go on in the same order; as, the period of the sun, or the earth, or a comet.
[ Webster]

2. Hence: A stated and recurring interval of time; more generally, an interval of time specified or left indefinite; a certain series of years, months, days, or the like; a time; a cycle; an age; an epoch; as, the period of the Roman republic.
[ Webster]

How by art to make plants more lasting than their ordinary period. Bacon.
[ Webster]

3. (Geol.) One of the great divisions of geological time; as, the Tertiary period; the Glacial period. See the Chart of .
[ Webster]

4. The termination or completion of a revolution, cycle, series of events, single event, or act; hence, a limit; a bound; an end; a conclusion. Bacon.
[ Webster]

So spake the archangel Michael; then paused,
As at the world's great period. Milton.
[ Webster]

Evils which shall never end till eternity hath a period. Jer. Taylor.
[ Webster]

This is the period of my ambition. Shak.
[ Webster]

5. (Rhet.) A complete sentence, from one full stop to another; esp., a well-proportioned, harmonious sentence. “Devolved his rounded periods.” Tennyson.
[ Webster]

Periods are beautiful when they are not too long. B. Johnson.
[ Webster]

☞ The period, according to Heyse, is a compound sentence consisting of a protasis and apodosis; according to Becker, it is the appropriate form for the coördinate propositions related by antithesis or causality. Gibbs.
[ Webster]

6. (Print.) The punctuation point [.] that marks the end of a complete sentence, or of an abbreviated word.
[ Webster]

7. (Math.) One of several similar sets of figures or terms usually marked by points or commas placed at regular intervals, as in numeration, in the extraction of roots, and in circulating decimals.
[ Webster]

Prev Next

Concept Explore Home

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z