[par.a.graph] n [MF & ML; MF paragraphe, fr. ML paragraphus sign marking a paragraph, fr. Gk paragraphos line used to mark change of persons in a dialogue, fr. paragraphein to write alongside, fr. para- + graphein to write--more at carve] (1525) 1 a: a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usu. indented line b: a short composition or note that is complete in one paragraph
2: a character used to indicate the beginning of a paragraph and as a reference mark -- par.a.graph.ic adj
[2]paragraph vt (1764) 1: to write paragraphs about
2: to divide into paragraphs ~ vi: to write paragraphs