perimeter
Definitions
The continuous line or boundary around the edge of a shape or area.
周界，边界。
The total length of the boundary of a two-dimensional shape.
周长（平面图形边界的总长度）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedperi- (around) + meter (measure) = the measure around the edge. A perimeter is the line, or total length, going all the way around a shape or area. Contrast diameter (across).
Root meter still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
Two registers: in math, the perimeter is the total length of a boundary (calculate the perimeter). In security/military use, 'the perimeter' is the protected outer boundary of a site (secure the perimeter, a perimeter fence).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The perimeter of the rectangle is twenty meters.
- 2.
Guards patrolled the perimeter of the base all night.
- 3.
A high fence runs around the perimeter of the field.
Easily Confused
perimeter vs circumference — both measure 'around,' but circumference is used only for circles and curves; perimeter is the general term for any shape (and especially polygons). A circle has a circumference; a square has a perimeter.