parenthesis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a word, phrase, or clause inserted into a sentence as an explanation or aside

   The final clause is a parenthesis and can be removed without changing the main point.

2. 2
   noun

   either of the curved punctuation marks ( and ) used to enclose inserted material

   Place the date in parenthesis after the author's name.

3. 3
   noun

   an interval or episode that interrupts a larger sequence of events

   The peaceful summer proved to be only a brief parenthesis in the conflict.

A learned borrowing through Late Latin parenthesis from Ancient Greek parenthesis, "insertion," formed from para-, "beside," + en-, "in," + thesis, "a placing." The punctuation mark takes its name from the inserted material it encloses.

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