SAT Basic
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periodic

/ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk/
English Definition
adj. occurring at regular intervals
中文释义
周期的
Example Sentence

The satellite's periodic orbit allowed scientists to monitor the glacier's melting rate every three months.

卫星的周期轨道使科学家能够每三个月监测冰川的融化速率。

Synonyms
recurrent regular cyclic
Antonyms
Seen in practice — from the Digital SAT question bank

- Geysers, by contrast, have narrow underground channels that trap steam, causing pressure to build until it forces water upward in a periodic eruption.

From a Rhetorical Synthesis question · Expression of Ideas

Sequoia trees, among the largest living organisms on Earth by volume, survive periodic wildfires thanks to bark that can grow over a foot thick, insulating the tree's living tissue from the intense heat that would destroy most other species.

From a Central Ideas and Details question · Information and Ideas

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Practice — Definition Match

Which choice best defines “periodic”?

  1. A Occurring at regular intervals
  2. B Worthy of respect
  3. C Very big and heavy
  4. D Able to cause an explosion or likely to explode
Show answer

A — Occurring at regular intervals. “periodic” means occurring at regular intervals.

Practice — Which Word Fits?

Which word means “occurring at regular intervals”?

  1. A periodic
  2. B honorable
  3. C explosive
  4. D massive
Show answer

A — periodic. “periodic” means occurring at regular intervals.

Common questions about “periodic”

What does “periodic” mean?

periodic — occurring at regular intervals. In Chinese: 周期的.

How do you pronounce “periodic”?

periodic is pronounced /ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk/.

How is “periodic” used in a sentence?

The satellite's periodic orbit allowed scientists to monitor the glacier's melting rate every three months. (卫星的周期轨道使科学家能够每三个月监测冰川的融化速率。)

What are synonyms for “periodic”?

recurrent, regular, cyclic — all close in meaning to periodic (occurring at regular intervals).

What is the opposite of “periodic”?

constant, irregular — each the opposite of periodic (occurring at regular intervals).

Is “periodic” an SAT vocabulary word?

Yes. periodic is on the SAT Prep Basic list — the everyday academic words the SAT assumes you already have. The Digital SAT does not test vocabulary in isolation; words like this one are tested through Words in Context questions, where you choose the word that completes a passage most logically and precisely.

Progress / 学习进度
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through SAT Basic
This level: 0 mastered (0% of the level)
The Digital SAT tests vocabulary through Words in Context questions, never as a standalone definition. Learn the word, then use it against a real passage.