rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: peri-
Greek

peri-

around

Forms

  • peri-

Origin

Greek peri, ‘around,’ related to reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *per-, ‘forward; beyond.’

Note

Around can describe an enclosing boundary or a route that avoids a direct approach.

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A close anatomical cutaway of a tooth in its socket emphasizes the gum, periodontal ligament and surrounding alveolar bone that hold the tooth in place.
adjective

periodontal

pair-ee-uh-DAHN-tul/ˌperiəˈdɑːntl/

Relating to the tissues surrounding and supporting teeth.

Etymology
periGreekaround
+odontGreektooth
+alLatinof, relating to

“Around the tooth” locates the tissues meant by periodontal. The term applies to the tissues surrounding and supporting a tooth, including the membrane lining its socket.

Full entry

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