[ pə'rɛnθɪsɪs ]
■ noun ( plural parentheses -si:z )
1》 a word or phrase inserted as an explanation or afterthought, in writing usually marked off by brackets, dashes, or commas.
2》 ( parentheses ) a pair of round brackets () used to include such a word or phrase.
Derivatives
parenthesize or ~e verb
Origin
C16: via late L. from Gk, from parentithenai 'put in beside'.