Search results for 'par':

par noun 1 a normal level or standard. 2 golf the standard number of strokes that a good golfer would take for a certain course or hole. 3 commerce (also par of exchange) the established value of the unit of one national currency against that of another. above par at a premium; at more than the nominal value. below or not up to par colloq 1 not up to the usual or required standard. 2 slightly unwell. on a par with something or someone equal to them; the equivalent of them. par for the course colloq only to be expected; predictable; typical.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: Latin, meaning 'equal'.

par. abbreviation 1 (also para.) paragraph. 2 parallel. 3 parish.

para-¹ or (before a vowel) par- combining form, denoting 1 alongside; beside; side-by-side • parathyroid. 2 beyond • parapsychology. 3 resembling • paramilitary. 4 auxiliary • paramedical. 5 abnormal • 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 p-xylene para-xylene. 7 a polymer of, or compound related to, the specified compound.
ETYMOLOGY: From Greek para alongside.

para-² or (before a vowel) par- combining form, denoting protection or defence against the specified thing • parachute • parasol.
ETYMOLOGY: French, from Italian, from Latin parare to defend.