para-1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈparə/
(also par-)

prefix

  • 1beside; adjacent to: parataxis parathyroid
  • beyond or distinct from, but analogous to: paramilitary paratyphoid
  • 2 Chemistry denoting substitution at diametrically opposite carbon atoms in a benzene ring, e.g. in 1,4 positions: paradichlorobenzeneCompare with meta- and ortho-.

Origin:

from Greek para 'beside'; in combinations often meaning 'amiss, irregular' and denoting alteration or modification