para- /pærə/ BrE AmE prefix
[ Sense 1-3: Language: Latin ; Origin: Greek , from para 'beside' ]
[ Sense 4: Date: 1900-2000 ; Origin: parachute ]
1 . beyond:
the paranormal (=strange unnatural events, beyond normal experience)
2 . very similar to something:
terrorists wearing paramilitary uniforms
3 . relating to a profession and helping more highly trained people:
a paramedic (=someone who helps a doctor)
a paralegal (=someone who helps a lawyer)
4 . relating to ↑ parachute s :
a paratrooper
paragliding