peri

views updated Jun 08 2018

pe·ri / ˈpi(ə)rē/ • n. (pl. pe·ris) (in Persian mythology) a mythical superhuman being, originally represented as evil but subsequently as a good or graceful genie or fairy.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

peri

views updated Jun 11 2018

peri (in Persian mythology) a mythical superhuman being, originally represented as evil but subsequently as a good or graceful genie or fairy. The name comes ultimately from Avestan (Zend) pairikā, any of several beautiful but malevolent female demons employed by Ahriman to bring comets and eclipses, prevent rain, and cause failure of crops and dearth.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

peri-

views updated May 21 2018

peri- The Greek peri, meaning ‘around’, used as a prefix meaning ‘around’ or ‘enveloping’.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

peri-

views updated May 08 2018

peri- From the Greek peri meaning ‘around’, a prefix meaning ‘around’ or ‘enveloping’.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

peri-

views updated Jun 11 2018

peri- repr. comb. form of Gr. péri, perí adv. and prep. about, around, roundabout, rel. to L. PER.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

peri-

views updated May 23 2018

peri- prefix denoting near, around, or enclosing.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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