Adjacent Words

para- definitions

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Merriam Webster's

I. prefix or par- Etymology: Greek, from para; akin to Greek pro before — more at for 1. beside ; alongside of ; beyond ; aside from <parathyroid> <parenteral> 2. a. closely related to <paraldehyde> b. involving substitution at or characterized by two opposite positions in the benzene ring that are separated by two carbon atoms <paradichlorobenzene> 3. a. faulty ; abnormal <paresthesia> b. associated in a subsidiary or accessory capacity <paramedical> c. closely resembling ; almost <paratyphoid> II. combining form Etymology: parachute parachute <paratrooper>

Oxford Reference Dictionary

1. prefix (also par-) 1 beside (paramilitary). 2 beyond (paranormal). 3 Chem. a modification of (paraldehyde). b relating to diametrically opposite carbon atoms in a benzene ring (paradichlorobenzene). Etymology: from or after Gk para- f. para beside, past, beyond 2. comb. form protect, ward off (parachute; parasol). Etymology: F f. It. f. L parare defend

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Para- Par"a- [Gr. ? beside; prob. akin to E. for- in forgive. Cf. For-.] 1. A prefix signifying alongside of, beside, beyond, against, amiss; as parable, literally, a placing beside; paradox, that which is contrary to opinion; parachronism. 2. (Chem.) A prefix denoting: (a) Likeness, similarity, or connection, or that the substance resembles, but is distinct from, that to the name of which it is prefixed; as paraldehyde, paraconine, etc.; also, an isomeric modification. (b) Specifically: (Organ. Chem.) That two groups or radicals substituted in the benzene nucleus are opposite, or in the respective positions 1 and 4; 2 and 5; or 3 and 6, as paraxylene; paroxybenzoic acid. Cf. Ortho-, and Meta-. Also used adjectively.