n. & v.
--n.
1. a distinct section of a piece of writing, beginning on a new usu. indented line.
2 a symbol (usu. X!X!) used to mark a new paragraph, and also as a reference mark.
3 a short item in a newspaper, usu. of only one paragraph.
--v.tr. arrange (a piece of writing) in paragraphs.
Derivatives:
paragraphic adj.
Etymology: F paragraphe or med.L paragraphus f. Gk paragraphos short stroke marking a break in sense (as PARA-(1), grapho write)