I. prefix
or par-
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin, from Greek, from para; akin to Greek pro before, ahead — more at for
1.
a. : beside : alongside of
para central
para biosis
para synapsis
b. : parallel
para heliotropism
c. : parasitic
para zoon
d. : associated in a subsidiary or accessory capacity
para military
e. : closely resembling the true form : almost — especially in names of diseases
para typhoid
2.
a. : isomeric with, polymeric with, or otherwise closely related to
par aldehyde
para casein
para periodic acid
— compare meta- 4a
b.
(1) : the relation of two opposite positions in the benzene ring that are separated by two carbon atoms
(2) para- , usually italic : a derivative in which two substituting groups occupy such positions — abbr. p-
para -xylene or p -xylene is 1,4-dimethyl-benzene
— compare meta- 4b, orth- 3b
3. : beyond : outside of
par enteral
4.
a. : faulty, irregular, or disordered condition : abnormal
para lexia
para noia
para phrenia
b. : perversion
para bulia
para canthosis
c. : abortive
para carpium
para style
5. : derived from an original sediment — in the name of a metamorphic rock
para gneiss
— compare orth-
II. combining form
Etymology: parachute
1. : specially trained or equipped for descent by parachute from airplanes
para bomb
para marine
para trooper
2. : of, by, or in defense against armed parachutists
para spotter