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.

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.

peri-

views updated May 21 2018

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

peri-

views updated May 08 2018

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

peri-

views updated Jun 11 2018

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

peri-

views updated May 23 2018

peri- prefix denoting near, around, or enclosing.

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