Parallelogrammic - Parasita

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{ Parallelogrammic (păr�llĕl�grămmĭk), Parallelogrammical (păr�llĕl�grămmĭk�l), } a. Having the properties of a parallelogram. [R.]
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Parallelopiped (păr�llĕl�pīpĕd), n. [Gr. parallhlos parallel + 'epipedon a plane surface, 'epipedos on the ground, or level with it, level, flat; 'epi on + pedon the ground: cf. F. parallélopipède.] (Geom.) A solid, the faces of which are six parallelograms, the opposite pairs being parallel, and equal to each other; a prism whose base is a parallelogram.
Syn. -- parallelepiped, parallelepipedon, parallelopipedon.
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Parallelopipedon (?), n. [NL.] A parallelopiped. Hutton.
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parallel-park v. t. & i. To park (a vehicle) parallel to the curb; -- contrasted with angle-park; as, to get a driver's license, one needs to be able to parallel-park.
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parallel-parking n. The act or process of parking parallel to the curb; -- contrasted with angle-parking.
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Parallel standards. (Numismatics) Two or more metals coined without any attempt by the government to regulate their values.
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Parallel sulcus. (Anat.) A sulcus parallel to, but some distance below, the horizontal limb of the fissure of Sylvius.
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Parallel transformer. (Elec.) A transformer connected in parallel.
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Parallel vise. A vise with jaws so guided as to remain parallel.
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Paralogical (?), a. Containing paralogism; illogical. “Paralogical doubt.” Sir T. Browne.
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Paralogism (?), n. [Gr. paralogismos, fr. paralogizesqai to reason falsely; para beside + logizesqai to reason, logos discourse, reason: cf. F. paralogisme.] (Logic) A reasoning which is false in point of form, that is, which is contrary to logical rules or formulæ; a formal fallacy, or pseudo-syllogism, in which the conclusion does not follow from the premises.
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Paralogize (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Paralogized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Paralogizing (?).] [Gr. paralogizesqai.] To reason falsely; to draw conclusions not warranted by the premises. [R.]
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Paralogy (?), n. [Gr. paralogia; para beside, beyond + logos reason.] False reasoning; paralogism.
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Paralyse (?), v. t. Same as .
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Paralysis (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. paralysis, fr. paralyein to loosen, dissolve, or disable at the side; para beside + lyein to loosen. See , and , and cf. .] (Med.) Abolition of function, whether complete or partial; esp., the loss of the power of voluntary motion, with or without that of sensation, in any part of the body; palsy. See , and . Also used figuratively; as, paralysis of the will. “Utter paralysis of memory.” G. Eliot.
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Mischievous practices arising out of the paralysis of the powers of ownership. Duke of Argyll (1887).
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Paralytic (?), a. [L. paralyticus, Gr. �: cf. F. paralytique.] 1. Of or pertaining to paralysis; resembling paralysis.
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2. Affected with paralysis, or palsy.
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The cold, shaking, paralytic hand. Prior.
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3. Inclined or tending to paralysis.
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Coloq. Paralytic secretion (Physiol.), the fluid, generally thin and watery, secreted from a gland after section or paralysis of its nerves, as the paralytic saliva.
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Paralytic, n. A person affected with paralysis.
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Paralytical (?), a. See .
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Paralyzation (?), n. The act or process of paralyzing, or the state of being paralyzed.
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Paralyze (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paralyzed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Paralyzing (?).] [F. paralyser. See .]
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1. To affect or strike with paralysis or palsy.
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2. Fig.: To unnerve; to destroy or impair the energy of; to render ineffective; as, the occurrence paralyzed the community; despondency paralyzed his efforts.
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Param (?), n. (Chem.) A white crystalline nitrogenous substance (C2H4N4); -- called also dicyandiamide.
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paramagnet n. A substance exhibiting , i.e. a substance whose magnetization is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field applied to it.
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Paramagnetic (?), a. [Pref. para- + magnetic.] (Physics) Having or exhibiting paramagnetism; -- opposed to diamagnetic and contrasted with ferromagnetic. -- n. A paramagnetic substance. Faraday. -- Paramagnetically (#), adv.
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Paramagnetism (?), n. (Physics) A property of materials which are not magnetized in the absence of an external magnetic field, but in which the magnetic moments of their constituents align with and enhance an applied magnetic field; the induced magnetic field of the substance is in direct proportion to the strength of the applied magnetic field; -- opposed to diamagnetic and contrasted with ferromagnetic. Faraday.
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Paramaleic (?), a. [Pref. para- + maleic.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained from malic acid, and now called fumaric acid. [Obs.]
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Paramalic (?), a. [Pref. para- + malic.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an organic acid metameric with malic acid.
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Paramastoid (?), a. [Pref. para- + mastoid.] (Anat.) Situated beside, or near, the mastoid portion of the temporal bone; paroccipital; -- applied especially to a process of the skull in some animals.
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Paramatta (?), n. [So named from Paramatta, in Australia.] A light fabric of cotton and worsted, resembling bombazine or merino. Beck (Draper's Dict.)
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Parament (?), n. [Sp. paramento, from parar to prepare, L. parare.] Ornamental hangings, furniture, etc., as of a state apartment; rich and elegant robes worn by men of rank; -- chiefly in the plural. [Obs.]
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Lords in paraments on their coursers. Chaucer.
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Coloq. Chamber of paraments , presence chamber of a monarch.
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Paramento (?), n. [Sp.] Ornament; decoration. Beau. & Fl.
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Paramere (?), n. [Pref. para- + -mere.] (Zoöl.) One of the symmetrical halves of any one of the radii, or spheromeres, of a radiate animal, as a starfish.
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Parameter (?), n. [Pref. para- + -meter: cf. F. paramètre.] 1. A constant number which is part of a theory, function, or calculation, whose value is not determined by the form of the theory or equation itself, and may in some cases be arbitrary assigned.
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2. Specifically: (a) (Math.) A term applied to some characteristic magnitude whose value, invariable as long as one and the same function, curve, surface, etc., is considered, serves to distinguish that function, curve, surface, etc., from others of the same kind or family. Brande & C. (b) (Conic Sections) (in the ellipse and hyperbola), a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate, or in the parabola, to any abscissa and the corresponding ordinate.
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☞ The parameter of the principal axis of a conic section is called the latus rectum.
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3. (Science) Any constant number which is required to calculate values of observed phenomena according to a theory, but the value of which must be determined by experiment, and cannot be calculated from the fundamental assumptions of the theory. In general, a theory which has a large number of parameters, though it may accurately predict experimental results, is considered as having less explanatory power and as being less esthetically pleasing than a theory with fewer parameters.
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4. (Crystallog.) The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane; also, the fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
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5. The limits, guidelines, or assumptions from within which an activity is carried out; as, new arrivals need to learn the parameters of the research in our department.
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6. (Computers) A variable used in a calculation within a computer program which must be assigned a value before the calculation can be performed; as, let's plug in the parameters and see what the result is.
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7. A characteristic or element, especially one used as a criterion for evaluation or judgment; as, a useful parameter for determining efficiency.
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Parametritis (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Med.) Inflammation of the cellular tissue in the vicinity of the uterus.
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Paramiographer (?), n. [Gr. � proverb + -graph + -er.] A collector or writer of proverbs. [R.]
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Paramitome (?), n. [Pref. para- + mitome.] (Biol.) The fluid portion of the protoplasm of a cell.
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Paramo (?), n.; pl. Paramos (#). [Sp. pæramo.] A high, bleak plateau or district, with stunted trees, and cold, damp atmosphere, as in the Andes, in South America.
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Paramorph (?), n. [Pref. para- + Gr. morfh form.] 1. (Min.) A kind of pseudomorph, in which there has been a change of physical characters, by a change in crystal structure without alteration of chemical composition, as the change of aragonite to calcite; called also allomorph.
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2. (Biol.) A taxonomic variant observed within a species, for which a more specific term has not been assigned.
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-- paramorphic, a. -- paramorphous, a.
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Paramorphism (?), n. (Min.) The change of one mineral species to another, so as to involve a change in physical characters without alteration of chemical composition.
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Paramorphous (?), a. (Min.) Relating to paramorphism; exhibiting paramorphism.
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Paramount (?), a. [OF. par amont above; par through, by (L. per) + amont above. See .] Having the highest rank or jurisdiction; superior to all others; chief; supreme; preëminent; as, a paramount duty. “A traitor paramount.” Bacon.
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Coloq. Lady paramount (Archery), the lady making the best score. -- Coloq. Lord paramount , the king.
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Syn. Superior; principal; preeminent; chief.
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Paramount, n. The highest or chief. Milton.
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Paramountly, adv. In a paramount manner.
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Paramour (?), n. [F. par amour, lit., by or with love. See 2d , and .] 1. A lover, of either sex; a wooer or a mistress (formerly in a good sense, now only in a bad one); one who takes the place, without possessing the rights, of a husband or wife; -- used of a man or a woman.
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The seducer appeared with dauntless front, accompanied by his paramour Macaulay.
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2. Love; gallantry. [Obs.] “For paramour and jollity.” Chaucer.
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{ Paramour, Paramours (?) }, adv. By or with love, esp. the love of the sexes; -- sometimes written as two words. [Obs.]
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For par amour, I loved her first ere thou. Chaucer.
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Paramylum (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. para beside + � starch.] (Chem.) A substance resembling starch, found in the green frothy scum formed on the surface of stagnant water.
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Paranaphthalene (?), n. [Pref. para- + naphthalene.] (Chem.) Anthracene; -- called also paranaphthaline. [Obs.]
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parang n. A stout strait-edged knife used in Malayasia and Indonesia.
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paranoia (părȧnoiȧ), n. [NL., fr. Gr. paranoia.] 1. (Med.) A chronic form of insanity characterized by very gradual impairment of the intellect, systematized delusion, and usually by delusions of persecution or mandatory delusions producing homicidal tendency. In its mild form paranoia may consist in the well-marked crotchetiness exhibited in persons commonly called “cranks.” Paranoiacs usually show evidences of bodily and nervous degeneration, and many have hallucinations, esp. of sight and hearing.
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2. Unwarranted suspicion of the motives of others; -- used colloquially in a non-technical sense. [Colloq.]
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paranoid (?), a. 1. (Med.) Affected with paranoia; as, a paranoid schizophrenic.
Syn. -- paranoiac.
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2. Suffering from delusions of being persecuted by the conspiratorial actions of others; having an unwarranted suspicion of the motives of others; -- used loosely in a negative sense, not as a medical term; as, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you. [Colloq.]
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Paranoiac (părȧnoiăk), a. (Med.) Of or pertaining to paranoia; affected with, or characteristic of, paranoia; paranoid.
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Paranoiac, n. A person affected with paranoia.
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paranormal (părȧnôrm�l), adj. Of or pertaining to parapsychology; pertaining to forces or mental processes, such as extrasensory perception or psychokinesis, outside the possibilities defined by natural or scientific laws; as, paranormal phenomena.
Syn. -- psychic, psychical, parapsycholological. [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

Paranthracene (?), n. [Pref. para- + anthracene.] (Chem.) An inert isomeric modification of anthracene.
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Paranucleus (?), n. [Pref. para- + nucleus.] (Biol.) Some as .
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Para nut, Pará nut (pȧrä nŭt). (Bot.) The Brazil nut.
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Paranymph (?), n. [L. paranymphus, Gr. �; para beside, near + � a bride: cf. F. paranymphe.] 1. (Gr. Antiq.) (a) A friend of the bridegroom who went with him in his chariot to fetch home the bride. Milton. (b) The bridesmaid who conducted the bride to the bridegroom.
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2. Hence: An ally; a supporter or abettor. Jer. Taylor.
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Paranymphal (?), a. Bridal; nuptial. [R.]
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At some paranymphal feast. Ford.
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Parapectin (?), n. [Pref. para- + pectin.] (Chem.) A gelatinous modification of pectin.
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Parapegm (?), n. [L. parapegma, Gr. �, fr. � to fix beside; para beside + � to fix: cf. F. parapegme.] An engraved tablet, usually of brass, set up in a public place.
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☞ Parapegms were used for the publication of laws, proclamations, etc., and the recording of astronomical phenomena or calendar events.
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Parapeptone (?), n. [Pref. para- + peptone.] (Phisiol. Chem.) A proteinaceous body formed in small quantity by the peptic digestion of proteids. It can be converted into peptone by pancreatic juice, but not by gastric juice.
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Parapet (?), n. [F., fr. It. parapetto, fr. parare to ward off, guard (L. parare to prepare, provide) + petto the breast, L. pectus. See , and .]
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1. (Arch.) A low wall, especially one serving to protect the edge of a platform, roof, bridge, or the like.
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2. (Fort.) A wall, rampart, or elevation of earth, for covering soldiers from an enemy's fire; a breastwork. See Illust. of .
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Parapetalous (?), a. [Pref. para- + petal.] (Bot.) Growing by the side of a petal, as a stamen.
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Parapeted, a. Having a parapet.
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Paraph (?), n. [F. paraphe, parafe, contr. fr. paragraphe.] A flourish made with the pen at the end of a signature. In the Middle Ages, this formed a sort of rude safeguard against forgery. Brande & C.
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Paraph, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paraphed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Paraphing.] [Cf. F. parapher, parafer.] To add a paraph to; to sign, esp. with the initials.
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Parapherna (?), n. pl. [L.] (Rom. Law) The property of a woman which, on her marriage, was not made a part of her dower, but remained her own.
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Paraphernal (?), a. [Cf. F. paraphernal.] Of or pertaining to paraphernalia; as, paraphernal property. Kent.
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Paraphernalia (?), n. pl. [LL. paraphernalia bona, fr. L. parapherna, pl., parapherna, Gr. �; para beside + � a bride's dowry, fr. ferein to bring. See 1st .]
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1. (Law) Something reserved to a wife, over and above her dower, being chiefly apparel and ornaments suited to her degree.
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2. Personal belongings; ornaments; finery; sundry objects carried about for personal convenience.
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3. The appendages, apparatus, or equipment used in a particular activity; as, surveyors unloading their paraphernalia from a van.
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Paraphimosis (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. �; � beyond + � to muzzle.] (Med.) A condition in which the prepuce, after being retracted behind the glans penis, is constricted there, and can not be brought forward into place again.
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Paraphosphoric (?), a. [Pref. para- + phosphoric.] (Chem.) Pyrophosphoric. [Obs.]
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Paraphragma (-frăgmȧ), n.; pl. Paraphragmata (#). [NL., fr. Gr. para beside + �, �, an inclosure.] (Zoöl.) One of the outer divisions of an endosternite of Crustacea. -- Paraphragmal (#), a.
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Paraphrase (părȧfrāz), n. [L. paraphrasis, Gr. parafrasis, from parafrazein to say the same thing in other words; para beside + frazein to speak: cf. F. paraphrase. See , and .] A restatement of a text, passage, or work, expressing the meaning of the original in another form, generally for the sake of its clearer and fuller exposition; a setting forth the signification of a text in other and ampler terms; a free translation or rendering; -- opposed to metaphrase.
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In paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense. Dryden.
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Excellent paraphrases of the Psalms of David. I. Disraeli.
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His sermons a living paraphrase upon his practice. Sowth.
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The Targums are also called the Chaldaic or Aramaic Paraphrases. Shipley.
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Paraphrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paraphrased (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Paraphrasing (?).] To express, interpret, or translate with latitude; to give the meaning of a passage in other language.
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We are put to construe and paraphrase our own words. Bp. Stillingfleet.
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Paraphrase, v. i. To make a paraphrase.
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Paraphraser (?), n. One who paraphrases.
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Paraphrasian (?), n. A paraphraser. [R.]
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Paraphrast (?), n. [L. paraphrastes, Gr. �: cf. F. paraphraste.] A paraphraser. T. Warton.
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{ Paraphrastic (?), Paraphrastical (?), } a. [Gr.�: cf. F. paraphrastique.] Paraphrasing; of the nature of paraphrase; explaining, or translating in words more clear and ample than those of the author; not literal; free. -- Paraphrastically, adv.
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Paraphysis (?), n.; pl. Paraphyses (#). [NL., fr. Gr. para beside + � growth.] (Bot.) A minute jointed filament growing among the archegonia and antheridia of mosses, or with the spore cases, etc., of other flowerless plants.
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{ Paraplegia (?), Paraplegy (?), } n. [NL. paraplegia, fr. Gr. � hemiplegia, fr. � to strike at the side; para beside + � to strike: cf. F. paraplégie.] (Med.) Palsy of the lower half of the body on both sides, caused usually by disease of the spinal cord. -- Paraplegic (#), a.
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Parapleura (?), n.; pl. Parapleuræ (#). [NL. See , and 2d .] (Zoöl.) A chitinous piece between the metasternum and the pleuron of certain insects.
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Parapodium (?), n.; pl. Parapodia (#). [NL., fr. Gr. para beside + �, dim. of � foot.] (Zoöl.) One of the lateral appendages of an annelid; -- called also foot tubercle.
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☞ They may serve for locomotion, respiration, and sensation, and often contain spines or setæ. When well developed, a dorsal part, or notopodium, and a ventral part, or neuropodium, are distinguished.
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Parapophysis (?), n.; pl. Parapophyses (#). [NL. See , and .] (Anat.) The ventral transverse, or capitular, process of a vertebra. See . -- Parapophysical (#), a.
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parapsychologist n. One who studies or is versed in parapsychology.
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parapsychology n. The field of study concerned with psychological phenomena not explainable by the laws of physics, especially extrasensory perception, telepathy, psychokinesis, precognition, and clairvoyance. The field is controversial, most scientists holding the opinion that the supposed phenomena observed result from poor experimental design, or are mere statistical artifacts or in some cases deliberate fraud.
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parapsychological adj. Of or pertaining to parapsychology; pertaining to forces or mental processes outside the possibilities defined by natural or scientific laws; as, parapsychological research.
Syn. -- psychic, psychical, parapsycholological, paranormal.
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Parapterum (?), n.; pl. Paraptera (#). [NL. See , and .] (Zoöl.) A special plate situated on the sides of the mesothorax and metathorax of certain insects.
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{ Paraquet (?), Paraquito (?), } n. [See .] (Zoöl.) See .
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Pará rubber. The caoutchouc obtained from the South American euphorbiaceous tree Hevea brasiliensis, hence called the Pará rubber tree, from the Brazilian river and seaport named Pará; also, the similar product of other species of Hevea. It is usually exported in flat round cakes, and is a chief variety of commercial India rubber.
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Parasang (?), n. [L. parasanga, Gr. �, from Old Persian; cf. Per. farsang.] A Persian measure of length, which, according to Herodotus and Xenophon, was thirty stadia, or somewhat more than three and a half miles. The measure varied in different times and places, and, as now used, is estimated at from three and a half to four English miles.
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Parascenium (?), n.; pl. Parascenia (#). [NL., fr. Gr. �; para beside + � stage.] (Greek & Rom. Antiq.) One of two apartments adjoining the stage, probably used as robing rooms.
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Parasceve (?), n. [L., from Gr. �, lit., preparation.] 1. Among the Jews, the evening before the Sabbath. [Obs.] Mark xv. 42 (Douay ver.)
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2. A preparation. [R.] Donne.
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Paraschematic (?), a. [Gr. � to change from the true form.] Of or pertaining to a change from the right form, as in the formation of a word from another by a change of termination, gender, etc. Max Müller.
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Paraselene (?), n.; pl. Paraselenæ (#). [NL., from Gr. para beside + selhnh the moon: cf. F. parasélène.] (Meteor.) A mock moon; an image of the moon which sometimes appears at the point of intersection of two lunar halos. Cf. .
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Parashah (?), n.; pl. -shoth (#) or -shioth (#). [Heb. pārāshāh.] A lesson from the Torah, or Law, from which at least one section is read in the Jewish synagogue on every Sabbath and festival.
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Parashoth, n.; pl. of .
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Parasita (părȧsītȧ), n. pl. [NL.] (Zoöl.) (a) An artificial group formerly made for parasitic insects, as lice, ticks, mites, etc. (b) A division of copepod Crustacea, having a sucking mouth, as the lerneans. They are mostly parasites on fishes. Called also Siphonostomata.
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