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n. 1. A distinct division of written or printed matter that begins on a new, usually indented line, consists of one or more sentences, and typically deals with a single thought or topic or quotes one speaker's continuous words. 2. A mark ( ¶ ) used to indicate where a new paragraph should begin or to serve as a reference mark. 3. A brief article, notice, or announcement, as in a newspaper. tr.v. par·a·graphed, par·a·graph·ing, par·a·graphs To divide or arrange into paragraphs. [Middle English paragraf, from Old French paragrafe, from Medieval Latin paragraphus, from Greek paragraphos, line showing a break in sense or a change of speakers in a dialogue, from paragraphein, to write beside : para-, beside; see PARA-1 + graphein, to write; see gerbh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] par′a·graphic, par′a·graphi·cal adj. |
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