PARALYSE, par'a-l[=i]z, _v.t._ to strike with paralysis or palsy: to make useless: to deaden the action of: to exhaust.--_n._ PARAL'YSIS, a loss of the power of motion, sensation, or function in any part of the body: palsy: loss of energy: state of being crippled.--_adj._ PARALYT'IC, of or pertaining to paralysis: afflicted with or inclined to paralysis.--_n._ one who is affected with paralysis.--GENERAL PARALYSIS, dementia paralytica. [Fr.,--L.,--Gr. _paralyein_, _paralysein_--_para_, beside, _lyein_, loosen.]
PARAMAGNETIC, par-a-mag-net'ik, _adj._ See under DIAMAGNETIC.
PARAMASTOID, par-a-mas'toid, _adj._ situated near the mastoid, paroccipital.--_n._ a paramastoid process.
PARAMATTA, par-a-mat'a, _n._ a fabric like merino made of worsted and cotton. [From _Paramatta_ in New South Wales.]
PARAMECIUM, par-a-m[=e]'si-um, _n._ an infusorian in pond water or vegetable infusions--also _Slipper Animalcule_:--_pl._ PARAM[=E]'CIA. [Gr. _param[=e]k[=e]s_, long-shaped, _para_, beside, _m[=e]kos_, length.]
PARAMENIA, par-a-m[=e]'ni-a, _n.pl._ disordered menstruation. [Gr. _para_, beside, _m[=e]n_, a month.]
PARAMERE, par'a-m[=e]r, _n._ (_biol._) a radiated part or organ: either half of a bi-laterally symmetrical animal--usually _Antimere_.--_adj._ PARAMER'IC. [Gr. _para_, beside, _meros_, a part.]
PARAMETER, par-am'[=e]-t[.e]r, _n._ (_geom._) the constant quantity which enters into the equation of a curve: in conic sections, a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate diameter. [Gr. _para_, beside, _metron_, measure.]
PARAMNESIA, par-am-n[=e]'si-a, _n._ false memory. [Gr. _para_, beside, _mim-n[=e]skein_, to remind.]
PARAMO, par'a-m[=o], _n._ a bare wind-swept elevated plain. [Sp.]
PARAMORPH, par'a-morf, _n._ (_min._) a pseudomorph formed by a change in molecular structure without change of chemical composition.--_adjs._ PARAMORPH'IC, PARAMORPH'OUS.--_ns._ PARAMORPH'ISM, PARAMORPH[=O]'SIS. [Gr. _para_, beside, _morph[=e]_, form.]
PARAMOUNT, par'a-mownt, _adj._ superior to all others: chief: of the highest order or importance--opp. to _Paravail_.--_n._ the chief: a superior.--_adv._ PAR'AMOUNTLY. [O. Fr. _par amont_, _par_--L. prep. _per_; cf. _Amount_.]
PARAMOUR, par'a-m[=oo]r, _n._ a lover of either sex, now usually in the illicit sense. [Fr. _par amour_, by or with love--L. _per amorem_.]