para-(word root) close, besideExamples of words with the root para-: parallel, paradox, parapsychologyAbused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embreepara- 1 or par-pref.1. Beside; near; alongside: parathyroid.2. Beyond: paranormal.3. Incorrect; abnormal: paresthesia.4. Similar to; resembling: paratyphoid fever.5. Subsidiary; assistant: paraprofessional.6. Isomeric; polymeric: paraldehyde.7. Of or relating to one of three possible isomers of a benzene ring with two attached chemical groups in which the carbon atoms with attached groups are separated by two unsubstituted carbon atoms: para-aminobenzoic acid.[Greek, from para, beside; see per in Indo-European roots.]para- 2pref. Parachute; parachutist: paratroops.[From parachute.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.para- or before a vowel par-prefix1. beside; near: parameter; parathyroid. 2. beyond: parapsychology. 3. resembling: paramnesia. 4. defective; abnormal: paraesthesia. 5. subsidiary to: paraphysis. 6. (Chemistry) (usually in italics) denoting that an organic compound contains a benzene ring with substituents attached to atoms that are directly opposite across the ring (the 1,4- positions): paradinitrobenzene; para-cresol. Abbreviation: p- Compare ortho-4, meta-47. (Chemistry) denoting an isomer, polymer, or compound related to a specified compound: paraldehyde; paracasein. 8. (Chemistry) denoting the form of a diatomic substance in which the spins of the two constituent atoms are antiparallel: parahydrogen. Compare ortho-6[from Greek para (prep) alongside, beyond]para- combining form indicating an object that acts as a protection against something: parachute; parasol. [via French from Italian para-, from parare to defend, shield against, ultimately from Latin par?re to prepare]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014pa?ra1 (p??r?, ?p?r ?) n., pl. -ras, -ra. a monetary unit of Yugoslavia, equal to 1/100 of a dinar. [1680?90;