I. ˈpär, ˈpȧ(r noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, one that is equal, from par equal — more at pair
1.
a. : the established value of the monetary unit of one country expressed in terms of the monetary unit of another country using the same metal as the standard of value and determined solely on the basis of the relative amounts of precious metal contained in the standard monetary units of the two countries — called also mint par of exchange ; compare purchasing power parity
b.
(1) : the nominal value of securities or certificates of value
par value for bonds in the United States is usually $1000
a security is at par when the market price equals the par value
— called also face par, nominal par
(2) : the value or price at which securities or certificates of value are issued — compare no-par
2. : equality as to value, condition, or circumstances : common level — usually used with on or upon
had come out of the war on a par with the defeated nations — Osbert Sitwell
his victories in statecraft and diplomacy were never on a par with his soaring ambitions — A.C.Cole
I and my contemporary bards are by no means upon a par — William Cowper
3.
a. : an amount that is taken as an average or mean
b. : a particular value or price taken as the par
c. : an accepted standard or normal level : average , norm
novels below par
a portrait below par
bring a gauge reading up to par
keep one's appearance up to par
specifically : such a level of physical condition or health
not feeling up to par
4. : the score standard set for each hole of a golf course on the basis of the length of the hole allowing two putts for each green ; also : a score equal to par
Synonyms: see average
II. adjective
: of or relating to par or a normal level : average
the acting is only par — Kappo Phelan
III. transitive verb
( parred ; parred ; parring ; pars )
1. : to put on a par
2. : to make a golf score on (a hole) equal to par
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: by shortening
Britain : paragraph
V. abbreviation
1. paragraph
2. parallax
3. parallel
4. parenthesis
5. parish