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Definition of: parenthesis
(pə·ren′thə·sis) noun plural ·ses (-sēz)
1. Gram. A word, phrase, or clause inserted in a sentence that is grammatically complete without it, separated usually by commas, dashes, or upright curves.
2. Either or both of the upright curves ( ) so used.
3. Hence, any intervening episode or incident; interval. [<Med. L <Gk. <parentithenai put in beside <para- beside + en- in + tithenai place]
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