| 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. |