paragraph Hear it!

paragraph definition

para·graph (parə graf′)

noun

  1. a distinct section or subdivision of a chapter, letter, etc., usually dealing with a particular point: it is begun on a new line, often indented
  2. a mark (¶) used as by proofreaders to indicate the beginning of a paragraph or as a sign marking material referred to elsewhere
  3. a brief article, item, or note in a newspaper or magazine

Etymology: MFr paragraphe < OFr < ML paragraphus, orig., sign marking separation of parts, as of a chapter < Gr paragraphos < para-, beside (see para-) + graphein, to write (see graphic)

transitive verb

  1. to mention in a paragraph or paragraphs
  2. to separate or arrange in paragraphs

intransitive verb

to write paragraphs, esp. for a newspaper

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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