para- Definition

para-¹
par-
combining form

1. Denoting alongside; beside; side-by-side.

Example: parathyroid
2. Beyond.

Example: parapsychology
3. Resembling.

Example: paramilitary
4. Auxiliary.

Example: paramedical
5. Abnormal.

Example: paraesthesia
6. chem.
Having substituted atoms or groups attached to two opposite carbon atoms of the benzene ring, usually spelt p- and written in italics, eg p-xylene, para-xylene.
7. A polymer of, or compound related to, the specified compound.

Etymology: From Greek para alongside.

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para-²
par-
combining form

1. denoting protection or defence against the specified thing.

Example: parachute
Example: parasol

Etymology: French, from Italian, from Latin parare to defend.

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para-³
combining form

1. denoting parachute.

Example: paratrooper
Example: paradoctor