Parenthesis
[pə'renθɪsɪs] or [pə'rɛnθəsɪs]
Definition
(noun.) either of two punctuation marks (or) used to enclose textual material.
Edited by Benson--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A word, phrase, or sentence, by way of comment or explanation, inserted in, or attached to, a sentence which would be grammatically complete without it. It is usually inclosed within curved lines (see def. 2 below), or dashes.
(n.) One of the curved lines () which inclose a parenthetic word or phrase.
Inputed by Frieda
Definition
n. a word phrase or sentence put in or inserted in another which is grammatically complete without it: (pl.) the marks ( ) used to mark off a parenthesis:—pl. Paren′theses (-sēz).—v.i. Parenth′esise.—adjs. Parenthet′ic -al of the nature of a parenthesis: expressed in a parenthesis: using parentheses.—adv. Parenthet′ically.
Edited by Carmella
Examples
- All them old cats _will _run their heads agin milestones,' observed Mr. Weller, in a parenthesis. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- No, Monsieur, it is too plain; you never do that, was my parenthesis. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Somebody put a drop under a magnifying-glass and it was all semicolons and parentheses, said Mrs. Cadwallader. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Why, Mrs. Piper has a good deal to say, chiefly in parentheses and without punctuation, but not much to tell. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
Inputed by Hahn