peripheral device
B2Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A piece of computer hardware equipment which provides input to, or receives output from, the central processing unit (CPU). It is not essential to the computer's primary function of processing.
Any auxiliary hardware component attached to a host computer system to expand its capabilities, such as for input, output, storage, or communication. In broader figurative use, it can refer to something secondary or supplementary to a main system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily technical. It emphasises the device's auxiliary, non-core status relative to the computer's central system (motherboard, CPU, RAM). A device can be internal (like an internal hard drive) yet still be considered a peripheral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The abbreviation 'peripheral' is equally common in both. Spelling differences follow the standard: BrE 'peripherals', AmE 'peripherals'.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in AmE technical documentation, but the term is standard and common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP:computer] has/uses/supports [NP:peripheral device][NP:peripheral device] connects to/attaches to/is plugged into [NP:computer/port][NP:User] installed/configured [NP:peripheral device]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just a peripheral issue. (figurative use)”
- “on the periphery (figurative)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussed in IT procurement, asset management, and tech support contexts. E.g., 'The budget includes funds for essential peripheral devices like scanners and printers.'
Academic
Used in computer science, information technology, and engineering papers and textbooks to classify hardware components.
Everyday
Less common in casual talk; more likely used when discussing computer setup or troubleshooting. E.g., 'My new printer won't work; the computer doesn't recognise this peripheral device.'
Technical
The primary domain. Precisely defined in specifications, manuals, and driver software. E.g., 'The USB controller manages data transfer for all connected peripheral devices.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not standard; the term is not used as a verb.)
American English
- (Not standard; the term is not used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- (The adverb 'peripherally' exists but is unrelated to devices.) He was only peripherally involved.
American English
- (The adverb 'peripherally' exists but is unrelated to devices.) The topic was peripherally related to our main study.
adjective
British English
- The discussion moved from peripheral concerns to the central problem.
- She had only a peripheral role in the project's management.
American English
- The report addresses both central and peripheral issues.
- His involvement was peripheral at best.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A mouse is a peripheral device.
- The printer is a peripheral device for the computer.
- You need to install software for some peripheral devices.
- My new webcam is an external peripheral device.
- The technician advised connecting the peripheral device to a different USB port to troubleshoot the issue.
- Modern laptops often have fewer ports for peripheral devices than older models.
- The system's architecture allows for hot-swapping of peripheral devices without requiring a reboot.
- Driver conflicts can arise when multiple sophisticated peripheral devices attempt to access the same system resources concurrently.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PERIPHERAL device as something on the PERIPHERY (the outer edge) of your computer's main system, like satellites orbiting a planet.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPUTER SYSTEM IS A BODY (CPU = brain, motherboard = nervous system, peripheral devices = limbs and senses that interact with the outside world).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like '*периферийное устройство*' in non-technical English conversation; in casual talk, simply 'keyboard', 'printer', etc. is better.
- Do not confuse 'peripheral' (adj/noun) with 'periphery' (noun meaning outer edge) in unrelated contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'peripheral' as a countable noun without 'device' (acceptable in tech contexts: 'Connect the peripheral.').
- Incorrect plural: 'peripherals devices' (correct: 'peripheral devices' or 'peripherals').
- Misspelling: 'periferal', 'peripherial'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is typically NOT considered a peripheral device?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, technically it is. Although 'peripheral' often suggests 'external', in computing terminology, a peripheral device is any hardware component that is not part of the core computer architecture (CPU, motherboard). Storage devices like internal hard drives are considered peripherals.
In computing, 'peripheral' is a more technical, functional term describing the device's relationship to the CPU. 'Accessory' is a broader commercial term that may include non-functional items (decorative cases, cleaning kits) and emphasises optionality. All functional computer peripherals are accessories, but not all accessories are peripherals.
Yes. The adjective 'peripheral' is commonly used to mean 'of secondary importance' or 'on the edge of a topic or field'. For example: 'The contract details were peripheral to our main negotiation.'
In technical contexts, using 'peripheral' alone as a noun is perfectly acceptable and common (e.g., 'All peripherals must be disconnected.'). In more general or teaching contexts, using the full term 'peripheral device' can be clearer for learners.