peri
1 of 2noun
pe·ri ˈpir-ē 
1
: a supernatural being in Persian folklore descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until penance is accomplished
2
: a beautiful and graceful girl
peri-
2 of 2prefix
1
: all around : about
periscope
2
: near
perihelion
3
: enclosing : surrounding
perineurium
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Persian perī fairy, genius, from Middle Persian parīk; akin to Avestan pairikā sorceress
Prefix
Latin, from Greek, around, in excess, from peri; akin to Greek peran to pass through — more at fare
First Known Use
Noun
1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1