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perinatal
perinatology
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period
period certain
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periodic

pe·ri·od·ic [ pree óddik ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. occasional: recurring or reappearing from time to time

2. regular: occurring or appearing at regular intervals or in regular cycles

3. involving periods: associated with or occurring in periods

[Mid-17th century. Via French and Latin< Greek periodikos< periodos (see period)]

pe·ri·od·i·cal·ly adverb

Word Key: Synonyms
periodic, intermittent, occasional, sporadic
CORE MEANING: recurring over a period of time

periodic recurring or reappearing from time to time;
carry out periodic inspections
El Niño, a periodic weather pattern
intermittent occurring at irregular intervals;
The pain was usually intermittent, although in some patients it was continuous.
Thunder, lightning, and intermittent rain delayed the start of the tournament.
occasional occurring infrequently at irregular intervals;
Her family kept in contact by writing, telephoning, and occasional visits.
He sat silent, producing only an occasional suppressed grunt.
sporadic occurring at intervals that have no apparent pattern;
Despite a truce announced last month, sporadic fighting continues.
Prior to the mid-1960s, pollution issues received only limited and sporadic attention from the general public.
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