Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • A prefix signifying alongside of, beside, beyond, against, amiss; as parable, literally, a placing beside; paradox, that which is contrary to opinion; parachronism.
  • (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.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • prefix above, beyond
  • prefix beside, near, alongside
  • prefix abnormal, incorrect
  • prefix resembling
  • prefix chemistry In isomeric benzene derivatives, having the two substituents in opposite positions (compare ortho- and meta-.)
  • prefix Forming words relating to activities carried out with a parachute.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Ancient Greek παρά (para, "beside; next to, near, from; against, contrary to").

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From parachute

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Examples

  • It prizes performers and bands that do a lot of avoiding themselves: obscure or reclusive or misunderstood or intransigent or semi-extant, forerunners and satellites and outsiders, the post- and pre- and para-.

    NYT > Home Page 2011

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