1. Outer Edge: This is the most common meaning. It refers to the outer limits or boundary of something. For example:
* "The city center was bustling, but the periphery was quiet and deserted."
* "The islands on the periphery of the archipelago are barely inhabited."
2. Margin or Edge: This meaning is similar to the first, but it emphasizes a less central or important position.
* "He was always on the periphery of the group, never fully included."
* "This issue is on the periphery of our current political discourse."
3. Less Important or Influential: This meaning extends the idea of being on the edge to mean being less significant or powerful.
* "Small businesses are often seen as being on the periphery of the economy."
* "The decision was made by the inner circle, without consulting those on the periphery."
4. Relating to the Peripheral Nervous System: In biology, "periphery" refers to the parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, including nerves and sensory organs.
5. In Computer Networking: In networking, "periphery" can refer to devices connected to a central network, but not directly involved in its core functionality.
Ultimately, the best way to understand the meaning of "periphery" is to consider the specific context in which it is used.