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para-¹ or par-

pref.

1. Beside; near; alongside: parathyroid.

2. Beyond: paranormal.

3. Incorrect; abnormal: paresthesia.

4. Similar to; resembling: paratyphoid fever.

5. Subsidiary; assistant: paraprofessional.

6. Isomeric; polymeric: paraldehyde.

7. Of or relating to one of three possible isomers of a benzene ring with two attached chemical groups in which the carbon atoms with attached groups are separated by two unsubstituted carbon atoms: para-aminobenzoic acid.

[Greek, from para, beside; see per¹ in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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