\Par"a-\ [Gr. ? beside; prob. akin to E. for- in forgive.
Cf. {For-}.]
1. A prefix signifying alongside of, beside, beyond, against,
   amiss; as parable, literally, a placing beside; paradox,
   that which is contrary to opinion; parachronism.
2. (Chem.) A prefix denoting:
   (a) Likeness, similarity, or connection, or that the
       substance resembles, but is distinct from, that to the
       name of which it is prefixed; as paraldehyde,
       paraconine, etc.; also, an isomeric modification.
   (b) Specifically: (Organ. Chem.) That two groups or
       radicals substituted in the benzene nucleus are
       opposite, or in the respective positions 1 and 4; 2
       and 5; or 3 and 6, as paraxylene; paroxybenzoic acid.
       Cf. {Ortho-}, and {Meta-}. Also used adjectively.

\Pa*ra"\, n. [Turk., fr. Per. p[=a]rah a piece.]
A piece of Turkish money, usually copper, the fortieth part
of a piaster, or about one ninth of a cent.