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parentheses plural of parenthesis.
parenthesis either of a pair of signs ( ) used to enclose explanatory or qualifying material that is not part of a sentence's structure, or to enclose mathematical quantities that are to be treated as a unit. [3 definitions]
parenthesize to enclose with parentheses.
parenthetical contained in parentheses, or suitable to be parenthesized; explanatory; qualifying. [3 definitions]
parenting the ongoing process or skill of a parent in raising a child or children.
parentless combined form of parent.
paresis slight or partial paralysis, usu. affecting movement but not sensation.
paresthesia an abnormal sensation of the skin, such as burning or itching.
par excellence (French) outstanding; without equal; preeminent.
parfait a dessert consisting of layers of ice cream, fruit, and syrup or other flavorings, served in a tall glass. [2 definitions]
parfleche a rawhide soaked in a solution of lye and water to remove the hair, and then dried. [2 definitions]
parhelion an image of the sun that appears as a bright spot near the sun and is caused by sunlight passing through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere; sundog.
pariah a despised or socially outcast person.
Parian of or concerning Paros, from which comes a fine white marble. [3 definitions]
parietal of, concerning, or forming the top and side portions of the skull. [3 definitions]
parietal lobe that part of each hemisphere of the brain that is beneath a parietal bone.
pari-mutuel a system for betting on horse races, in which the winnings are paid from the total amount bet, minus taxes and management expenses. [2 definitions]
paring a piece of outer covering or end that has been cut off. [2 definitions]
paring knife a small knife with a short blade used especially for peeling the skin of vegetables and fruits, and also for coring and other high-precision cutting tasks.
pari passu (Latin) with an equal pace or rate; side by side. [2 definitions]
paripinnate of compound leaves, having an equal number of leaflets on each side of the central stem.