PER, a Latin preposition, denoting through, passing,or over the whole extent, as in perambulo. Hence it is sometimes equivalent to very in English, as in peracutus, very sharp. As a prefix, in English, it retains these significations, and in chimistry it is used to denote very of fully, to the utmost extent, as in peroxyd,a substance oxydated to the utmost degree.
Per is used also for by, as per bearer, by the bearer.
Per annum, [L.] by the year; in each year successively.
Per se, [L.] by himself; by itself; by themselves.
