happening or recurring at regular intervals
"the periodic appearance of the seventeen-year locust"
Relative to a period or periods.
"The periodic properties of iodine are best observed in its reactions involving periodic acid, where it reaches its maximum oxidation state."
Relating to the highest oxidation state of iodine; of or derived from a periodic acid.
In plain English: Periodic means happening at regular intervals of time.
"The periodic payments for his apartment are deducted automatically from his bank account every month."
Usage: Use this word primarily when describing events, functions, or data that occur at regular intervals rather than continuously. Avoid confusing it with "periodical," which refers specifically to publications released on a schedule like magazines or newspapers.
The word "periodic" comes from the French périodique and Medieval Latin periodicus, originally meaning "cyclical." It traces back to the Ancient Greek períodos, which referred to a cycle or a period of time, before entering English through these earlier forms.