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paradiddle a pattern of beats, esp. on a snare drum, in which the right and left drumsticks alternate single strokes, followed by two beats of the right, followed by a reversal of this pattern.
paradigm an example, model, pattern, or the like. [2 definitions]
paradise (sometimes cap.) the final destination of virtuous souls; heaven. [3 definitions]
paradisiac like or befitting paradise.
parador a government-owned tourist inn or hotel, esp. in Spain.
paradox a statement that contradicts or seems to contradict itself, yet often expresses a truth, such as "Less is more". [3 definitions]
paradoxical containing or embodying two assertions or qualities that contradict each other, or seem to contradict each other.
paraffin an odorless waxy white substance derived from petroleum, wood, or coal and used to make candles, sealing materials, and waxed paper. [3 definitions]
paraffin series see "alkane series."
paraffin wax paraffin in its solid form, used esp. in making candles, sealing preserving jars, and the like.
paragon a model of excellence or of a particular admirable quality.
paragraph in a written article, composition, speech, or the like, a distinct section composed of one or more sentences that is related to the main point but that expresses an idea in itself and begins on a new line, usually indented. [3 definitions]
Paraguay a central South American country between Argentina and Brazil.
Paraguay River a large river in South America that begins in southwestern Brazil, flows through Paraguay and along its border with Argentina, finally joining the Paraná River at the southwestern tip of Paraguay.
Paraguay tea see "maté."
parakeet a variety of small parrot, usu. having a long tapered tail.
paralegal a lawyer's assistant who has some training in legal matters, but who does not hold a law degree.
parallax the apparent change in the position of an observed object when seen from two different points.
parallel extending in the same direction and being the same distance apart at every point. [9 definitions]
parallel bars a set of two horizontal poles parallel to each other and supported by adjustable upright posts, on which gymnasts perform various acrobatic routines. [2 definitions]
parallelepiped a geometric solid having six surfaces, all of which are parallelograms.