Which prefix meaning surrounding is listed?

Which prefix meaning surrounding is listed?

• A. Around
• B. Inside
• C. Before
• D. Peri-

Answer: (D)

Peri- is the prefix that means surrounding. It comes from Greek and is used to indicate something around or enclosing another thing, as in pericardium (the membrane around the heart), perimeter (the distance around a shape), or periscope (an instrument that allows you to see around). In this question, you’re being asked which prefix conveys the idea of surrounding, and peri- fits that meaning exactly. The other options aren’t prefixes that indicate surrounding: one is just a general word, one refers to inside, and one to before in time, not around. (There is also circum- as another prefix meaning around, but it isn’t listed here.)

Peri- is the prefix that means surrounding. It comes from Greek and is used to indicate something around or enclosing another thing, as in pericardium (the membrane around the heart), perimeter (the distance around a shape), or periscope (an instrument that allows you to see around). In this question, you’re being asked which prefix conveys the idea of surrounding, and peri- fits that meaning exactly. The other options aren’t prefixes that indicate surrounding: one is just a general word, one refers to inside, and one to before in time, not around. (There is also circum- as another prefix meaning around, but it isn’t listed here.)