perimeter
UK[pəˈrɪmɪtə]US[pəˈrɪmɪtər]
n
the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure.
n
the outermost limits or edge of an area or object.
n
a fortified boundary or defensive area surrounding a military position.
Morpheme Breakdown
peri
meter
peri
around
meter
measure
Etymology
the word perimeter has a direct and logical lineage from ancient greek. it is formed from the combination of the prefix 'peri-', meaning 'around', and the root 'metron', meaning 'measure'. this literal construction, 'measurement around', was used in greek geometry to describe the total length of the boundary of a figure. entering english via latin and french in the late 14th century, it retained this precise mathematical sense while naturally expanding to describe the outer boundary or defensive line of any area, preserving the core concept of defining a space by measuring its outer limits.
Analysis
Structure: peri (around) + meter (measure)
peri is a prefix of greek origin meaning 'around', 'about', or 'near'. meter is a combining form from greek 'metron', meaning 'measure'.
Examples
the perimeter of the rectangle is calculated by adding the lengths of all four sides.
security guards patrol the perimeter of the factory at night.
the army established a strong defensive perimeter around the camp.