from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Peri \Pe"ri\ (p[=e]"r[i^]), n.; pl. {Peris} (p[=e]"r[i^]z).
[Per. per[imac] a female genus, a fairy.] (Persian Myth.)
An imaginary being, male or female, like an elf or fairy,
represented as a descendant of fallen angels, excluded from
paradise till penance is accomplished. --Moore.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Peri- \Per"i-\ (p[e^]r"[i^]-). [Gr. peri`, prep.]
A prefix used to signify around, by, near, over, beyond, or
to give an intensive sense; as, perimeter, the measure
around; perigee, point near the earth; periergy, work beyond
what is needed; perispherical, quite spherical.
[1913 Webster]