| parasympathetic |
relating to those parts of the autonomic nervous system, found in the middle and back parts of the brain and the lower spinal cord, that oppose the work of the sympathetic system, as in dilating the pupils or slowing the heart beat. |
| parataxis |
the putting together of sentences, clauses, or phrases with no conjunctive words, as in, "Come in, it's getting cold". |
| parathion |
a highly poisonous liquid used as an insecticide. |
| parathyroid |
positioned near the thyroid gland. [2 definitions] |
| paratroop |
of or concerning soldiers trained to enter combat areas by parachuting from airplanes. [2 definitions] |
| paratrooper |
a soldier trained to enter combat areas by parachuting from an airplane. |
| paratyphoid |
an intestinal disease that resembles, but is less severe than, typhoid. [3 definitions] |
| par avion |
(French) by airplane; by air mail. |
| parboil |
to cook partially by immersing in boiling water for a brief time. |
| parbuckle |
a rope sling used to raise or lower an object vertically, formed by doubling the rope, wrapping it around the object, and slipping its two ends through the loop thus formed. [3 definitions] |
| parcel |
a thing or group of things wrapped or packed together for carrying or shipping; package. [4 definitions] |
| parcel post |
the branch of the postal service that handles parcels and packages. [2 definitions] |
| parch |
to make very dry, as by sunlight or the application of heat. [3 definitions] |
| Parcheesi |
trademark for a board game using dice to indicate moves, based on pachisi. |
| parchment |
a paperlike material made of the skins of sheep or goats. [3 definitions] |
| pardon |
an official release from the punishment attending a crime or conviction. [7 definitions] |
| pardonable |
combined form of pardon. |
| pardoner |
one who gives pardon. [2 definitions] |
| pare |
to cut off the outer layer or ends from. [3 definitions] |
| paregoric |
a mixture of camphor and opium in alcohol, used to treat diarrhea and intestinal pain. [3 definitions] |
| parenchyma |
the essential, functional tissue of an organ, as distinguished from its connective or supporting tissue. [3 definitions] |