adjective

periodic

peer-ee-AH-dik/ˌpɪriˈɑːdɪk/

Occurring or recurring at regular intervals.

The pendulum moves back and forth in a periodic rhythm.

A row of evenly spaced repeated pendulum positions along a timeline, regularly recurring motion, no text.

Etymology

periGreekaround

+odGreekway, journey

+icLatinrelating to

The “going around” image became a cycle of events. Something periodic follows such a cycle: it comes around again at regular intervals.

In context

EBTV5:17

we do get together on a periodic but regular basis for a friendship and fellowship sometimes we break bread together sometimes we study with one another

Totally East Brunswick: Clergy Council

More examples

The elevator receives periodic inspections every six months.
A periodic beep sounds every ten seconds.
We schedule periodic breaks throughout each training session.

Forms

periodic

periodically adverb — At regular or regularly recurring intervals.

periodicity noun — The quality of recurring at regular intervals.

Similar words

regular: Emphasizes even spacing or consistency, not necessarily repeated events.
recurring: Means happening repeatedly, without requiring equally spaced time intervals.
cyclical: Emphasizes a repeating sequence of stages rather than timing.