periodic
adj.-
1 at regular intervals (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatehappening again and again at regular times.
occurring or appearing at regular intervals of time.
ExampleThe machine requires periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
ExampleThe company conducts periodic reviews of its safety protocols to ensure they remain compliant with the latest industry regulations.
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2 repeating cycles (adj.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencehaving a pattern that repeats itself exactly over time.
having a structure or behavior characterized by repeated cycles or periods.
ExampleThe ocean tides are a periodic movement caused by the moon.
ExampleThe researcher observed a periodic fluctuation in the data, suggesting that the chemical reaction followed a predictable cycle every four hours.
- aperiodic
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3 planetary orbits (adj.) C2 Proficiency Technical Astronomyrelating to the time it takes for a planet or moon to complete one circle.
pertaining to the time taken for a celestial object to complete one full revolution in its orbit.
ExampleComets have periodic orbits that bring them near Earth every few decades.
ExampleThe periodic motion of the planets was first accurately described using elliptical models rather than perfect circles.
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4 chemical acid (adj.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencerelating to a specific type of acid that contains iodine.
relating to or derived from an acid of iodine in its highest oxidation state.
ExampleThe teacher explained how periodic acid is used in some laboratory tests.
ExampleThe technician prepared a solution of periodic acid to act as an oxidizing agent in the histological staining process.
UsagePronounced /ˌpɜːraɪˈɒdɪk/ (per-iodic) unlike the common word /ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk/.
From French périodique, from Medieval Latin periodicus (“cyclical”), from Latin periodus (“complete sentence, period, circuit”), from Ancient Greek περίοδος (períodos, “cycle, period of time”). By surface analysis, period + -ic.
From per- + iodic.
- Adjectiveperiodic
- Adverbperiodically