para- Hear it!

para-1 definition

para- (par′ə)

    1. by the side of, beside, by, past, to one side, aside from, amiss parathyroid, parasite
    2. beyond paranormal
    3. subsidiary to paralegal, paramilitary
  2. Chem.
    1. an isomer, modification, polymer, derivative, etc. of (a specified substance) paraformaldehyde
    2. characterized by substitutions in the 1, 4 position (opposite sides) in the benzene ring: usually italicized and hyphenated in chemical names para-aminobenzoic acid
  3. Med.
    1. in a secondary or accessory capacity parahormone
    2. functionally disordered, abnormal paramnesia
    3. like or resembling paratyphoid
  4. Nuclear Physics the form of diatomic molecules in which nuclei have antiparallel spins parahydrogen

Etymology: Gr para- < para, at the side of, alongside < IE *pera-, var. of *per-, a going beyond > far, fore

para-2 definition

para- (par′ə, per′ə)

  1. Etymology: Fr < It para, imper. of parare, to ward off < L parare, prepare

    protection of or against parados

  2. Etymology: < para(chute)

    using a parachute pararescue

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments (2) Add Your Comment

"PARA" Means the power,and the Shaktiwhich is beyond the phisical & spritual world ,another THE "GEETA"

Posted by RAJNIKANT H VAISHNAV 47 days ago.

the above mentioned comment about 'para 'is based on hindu treatises. but it is entirely different from the english term.hindu concept of 'para'means the' other'its opposite is 'aham 'or 'swam 'means the self.

Posted by santhosh.j.k 47 days ago.

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