paradox 
Caloric paradox, see -/''"""'"' '"'<-. under sjiheroidal. 
Hydrostatic paradox, .see ti,iiiro*tiitir. Mechani- 
cal paradox, a proposition to this etlrel ' \ part may 
l.r rut away from a given beam, so as to make the beam 
stronger than In-fore." 
paradoxalt (pw'i-dok-Ml), n. [= F. I'K. //- 
rndoxal = It. parndossali ; as paradox + -at.] 
I'aradoxical. 
How worthy are they to smart that marre the harmony 
of our peace by the discordotls jars of their new paradox- 
nil conceits! /;/>. Hall, Peace Maker, xxl. 
paradoxer (par'a-dok-ser), ii. [< paradox + 
*/'.] One who iinlulges in paradox, or who 
proposes a paradox. 
A very paradoxical cynic or a very cynical paradoxer 
might say that the letters must, considering the kind of 
IMTKOII with whom men of Bruins sometimes fall In lore, 
>< genuine. De Morgan, In Athemeum, No. S'JOH, p. 503. 
paradoxia sexualis (par-a-dok'si-a sek-su-a'- 
lis). Premature development of the sexual in- 
stini-t iii childhood. 
paradoxic (par-a-dok'sik), a. [= Sp. paratlojifo 
= It. paradoxgico ; as paradox + -ic.] Of the 
nature of a paradox ; paradoxical. [Bare.] 
If true, they are certainly paradoxic. Science, XI. 174. 
paradoxical (par-a-dok'si-kal), a. [< para- 
doxic + -nl.] 1. Of the nature of a paradox; 
characterized by paradoxes; apparently absurd, 
yet true. 
The mind In-inns to boggle at immaterial substances, as 
things paradoxical and Incomprehensible. 
South, Sermons, IX. ill. 
Paradoxical though the assertion looks, the progress Is 
at once towards complete separateness and complete 
union. //. Spencer, Social Statics, p. 482. 
2. Inclined to paradox or to tenets or notions 
contrary to received opinions: applied to per- 
sons. 
Ooropius after his wont paradoxicall. 
Pvrcfian, Pilgrimage, p. 41. 
In philosophy, where truth seems double-faced, there 
Is no man more parattoxicai than myself. 
Sir T. Browne, Rellgio Medici, I. . 
Paradoxical contraction. In phynal., the contraction 
of the muscles innervated by one branch of the sciatic 
consequent on stimulation of the other branch : It is due 
to secondary stimulation of the first branch through elec- 
trotonic variations. Paradoxical reaction, the phe- 
nomena sometimes ensuing on application of the galvanic 
current to one ear, when, in addition to tbe sounds pro- 
duced in that ear, sounds are heard in the other as if the 
opposite electrode were applied to it, 
paradoxically (par-a-dok'si-kal-i), adv. In a 
paradoxical manner, or in a manner seemingly 
absurd or contradictory; in such a way or 
sense as to involve an apparent contradiction 
or absurdity. 
Matter often behaves paradoxically, as when two cold 
liquids added together become boiling hot. 
H. Spencer, Study of Sociol., p. 12. 
paradoxicalness (par-a-dok'si-kal-nes), w. The 
state of being paradoxical. 
The seeming paradoxicalnew of . . . |thel statement ri- 
suits from the tendency . . . to judge a conclusion which 
pre-snpposea an ideal humanity by ita applicability to 
4275 
Paradoxiiloma, the art of explaining paradoxes. 
Kncyc. Brit., VIII. 194. 
paradOXOlOgy (par a-.li,k-sol'o-ji), . [= Sp. 
I'lin/i/iu'iiliii/iii = I'g. paradoxoloyia , < NL. jxira- 
doxologia, < ( i r. TrapaiogoAoyia, a tale of wonder, 
< irapoAo$ of , incredible (see paradox), + -/ 
< M-ynv, speak: see -ology.] The holding and 
defending of opinions contrary to those gen- 
erally prevalent. 
Whoever shall Indifferently perpend the exceeding dif 
Ilriilty which eitht-r the obscurity of the subject, or un 
avoidable paradoxtiloffy. must put upon the attempt, will 
easily discern a work of this nature Is not to be performed 
on one leg. Sir T. Browne, Vulg. Err., To the Reader. 
Paradoxornis (par'a-dok-sdr'nis), n. [NL. (J. 
( ioulil, 1K3G), < Gr. irufxj<5ofoc, incredible, + Apt/if, 
bird.] The typical genus of Paradoxornithinff . 
The type is P. Jlarirnxtri*, the parrot-bullfinch 
of India. Also called liathyrhynclnts. 
Paradoxornithinae (par'a-dok-s&r-ni-thi'ne), 
n. ill. [NL., < Paradoxornis (-ornith-) + -inn . ] 
In G. R. Gray's classification (1870), the eighth 
subfamily of 1'ringiHidte, represented by the ge- 
nus Paradoxornis. 
paradoxure (par-a-dok'gur), n. [< NL. Para- 
doxurux.'] Any species of the geuug Paradoxu- 
rui<; a palm-cat or palm-marten. 
Paradoxurinae (par-a-dok-su-ri'ne), n. pi. 
[NL., < ParadoxuruM + -fine.] A subfamily of 
Viverridte, having the tail very long and sub- 
convolute, the hinder part of the soles bald and 
callous, and the sectorial tooth typical. It In- 
cludes the palm-cat*, or luwacks, nandines. pagumes. 
etc., of the genera Paradoxurus, ffandinia, Pairuina, and 
Arrtnjalf. See cuts under nandinc, pagumc, and I'arn- 
doxurus. 
paradoxurine (par'a-dok-su'rin), a. and n. I. 
a. Having a paradoxical tail that is, one which 
curls or coils in a peculiar way, characteristic 
of the Paradoxurinee. 
II. . A paradoxure; any member of the 
I'aradoxurinee. 
Paradoxurus (par'a-dok-su'rus), n. [NL., < 
Gr. Trapdrfofof, incredible (see paradox), + oiipa, 
tail.] The typical genus of Paradoxurina. P. 
typus). 
humanity as now existing. 
//. 
Spencer, Data of Ethics, p. 77. 
Paradoxidae (par-a-dok'si-de), n. pi. [NL.] 
Same as Paradoxididee. 
Paradoxides (par-a-dok'si-dez), w. [NL.,< Or. 
Trapiioofof, incredible (see paradox), + -ides.~\ 
The typical genus of Paradoxididie. It contains 
very large trilobites, some two feet long, with 
sixteen or more thoracic segments, lirongniart. 
Also Paradoxites (Coldfuss, 1843). 
paradoxidian (par*a-dok-sid'i-an), a. [< NL. 
Parailnj-idfx + -inn'.] Of or pertaining to the 
genus 1'nriido.riili x . characterized by the abun- 
dance of Paradnxididie, as a geological stratum. 
Paradoxididae (par'a-dok-sid'i-de), n.pl. [NL., 
< Puriiilnj-iili-H + -(>/>.] A family of trilobitcs, 
typified by the genus ParadofUbt, characteris- 
tic of the Upper Cambrian, of large size, with 
well-developed cephalic shield of cret>coiiti 
figure with produced geual angles, from twelve 
to t wenty thoracic somites, and reduced pygid- 
ium. Also Paradoxidee. 
paradoxing (par'a-dok-sing), . [< paradox + 
-imj i . ] Paradoxical acts or utterances. 
If that 1'arllament will prescribe what they onght, with- 
out such paradoriny, I should think Ood would subscribe 
a Le Dieu le veult readily enough. 
N. Ward, Simple Cobler, p. 59. 
paradoxist (par'a-dok-sist), n. [< paradox + 
-i*t.~\ One who makes or affects paradoxes; a 
lover of paradox; a paradoxer. 
Pope was so delighted with the pugnacious paraduxtet't 
reply to DeCronsaz that he made Warhurton's acquain- 
tance. Encyc. Brit., XIX. 487. 
paradoxologia (par-a-dok-so-16'ji-a), . [NL.] 
S.-nne nsparadoj-iiloi/i/. 
tHlix is the common palm-cat of India, and 
there are many others. 
paradoxy (par'a-dok-si), n. [< paradox + -y-*.] 
The state of being paradoxical. Cotrridge. 
paradventuret, adt. An obsolete form of per- 
adrenture. 
paraenesis, parsenetic. . See parwettis, etc. 
paraesthesia (par-es-the'si-a), n. [NL., < Gr. 
ira/>ri, beside, beyond, + ai(j%o(f, sensation.] 
Abnormal sensation, as formication ; abnormal 
sense of cold or heat, or the perversion of the 
more special senses. Also parestlicsia and pa- 
parsesthesis (par -es- the 'sis), . [NL.: see 
piir&xthesia.] Same as parsexthesia. 
paraesthetic, a. Seeparesthetic. 
paraft, paraffet, . Obsolete forms of paraph. 
paraffin, paraffins (par'a-fin), . [< F. paraf- 
finc, < L. parum, little, -r- affinis, akin : see af- 
fine 1 .] 1. The collective name for compounds 
of the marsh-gas series which have the gen- 
eral formula C,,Hoj|+2 that is, two more than 
twice as many nvifrogen atoms as carbon atoms. 
These bodies arc characterized by a remarkable chemical 
indifference. They are saturated hydrocarbons, ail the 
atoms in the molecule being joined by single bonds, and 
therefore they cannot enter into combination without par- 
tial destruction of the molecule. 
2. Specifically, in com. and maiiuf., a sub- 
stance obtained by the dry distillation of wood, 
peat, bituminous eoal, wax, etc. It is a tasteless, 
inodorous, fatty matter, and resists the action of acids 
ami alkalis. It Is largely used in the manufacture of 
candles, which equal those of the finest wax, and is used 
also as a waterpnioting material for paper and fabrics, 
for lining wooden and metallic vessels, as trays and 
tanks for acids and voltaic batteries, as an electric Insu- 
lator, for coating splinta and other appliances which are 
subjected to septic influences, for giving a polish In fine 
parage 
laundry-work, aa a v. hi. N f,,r th. m m ti. in ni:ilrh>-<, 
smcartrldge^xivrrlnK.for pic-c ivinn fin it indvtntahUi 
by forming a film or rnatinu DM Hi. sin fur. , and for many 
iithi-i purixnics. One of the main source* of paraffin is 
crude pt-Irolciiin, M liirln icl'lfi! considerable quantity dur- 
ing Its preparation for inaik. I 
3. Petroleum or kerosene. [Loenl.] 
paraffin, paraffine (par'n-fin), r. t.; pret. nii'l 
pp. paraffined, ppr. paraffining. [< paraffin, n. \ 
To coat or impregnate with paraffin ; treat with 
paraffin. 
Wire, Insulated with parafnrd cotton, and then cov- 
ered with lead, was used. Electric Km. (Ainer), XIII. 8. 
paraffin-butter (par'a-fin- but 'cr), w. See 
liiitterl. 
paraffinize (par'a-fin-iz), r. /. ; pret. and pp. 
ltraffinizrd, ppr. i>araffini:iuy. [< jutraffin + 
-i>e.] To paraffin. 
The parajlnized preparation Is placed on a layer of cot- 
ton to cool, care bong taken to give It such a position u 
to avoid deformation. Amer. Hat., XXII. 8W. 
paraffin-oil (par'a-fin-oil), n. An oily product 
which is given off in large quantity in the de- 
structive distillation of bituminous shale. The 
lighter oils are used for illuminating, and the 
heavier for lubricating purposes. American 
paraffin-oil. Same as kerotene. |Eng.| 
paraffin-scales (par'a-fin-skalz), ii. i>i. See the 
quotation. 
During the last twenty years, paraffin has come largely 
into use for candle-making. The crude solid product 
separated from the light and heavy oils by the mineral 
oil refiners, and known as paraffin scale*, is of somewhat 
variable composition. Spotu' Kncyc. ManuJ., L 580. 
paraffle (pa-raf'l), n. [< F. parafe, paraph f, a 
flourish after a signature: see paraph.} Os- 
tentatious display. [Scotch.] 
These grand parafle o' ceremonies. 
Scott, Antiquary, xxi. 
paraflagellate (par-a-flaj'c-lat), . [< para- 
flaqellum + -ate.'] 'Provided with a parafla- 
gellum or with paraflagella. 
paraflagelltun (par'a-fla-jel'um), n.; pi. para- 
flagella (-&). [NL., { Gr. icapa, beside, + NL. 
flagcllum : see flaijcllum, 3.] A small supple- 
mentary flagellum often observed beside tin- 
long flagellum of infusoriaus. There may be 
one or more paraflagella. 
Paraf's paste. See pastel. 
paragalt, and n. See parcgal. 
paragaster (par-a-gas'ter), n. [NL., < Gr. irnpn, 
beside, + yaoTr/p, the stomach: see gaxtcr%.i 
The cavity of the sac of a sponge ; the paragas- 
tric cavity. 
paragastric (par-a-gas'trik). a. [< Gr. napa, 
beside, -f }a<rny/>, tne stomach (see parugaxtrr), 
+ -ic.] 1. Lying alongside the gastrie cavity : 
applied to two ca?cal canals which in ctenopho- 
raus are given off from the funnel. 2. Of or 
pertaining to the paragaster of a sponge: as, 
the paragattrie cavity. 
paragastrula (par-a-gas'tr^-la), n. ; pi. parn- 
gastrula (-le). [NL'., < Gr. ra^i, beside, + NL. 
iiastrula, n. v.] In cmbryoL, that kind of gas- 
trula which results from a modification of the 
amphiblastula of some sponges. After assuming 
a spherical form, the flagellated layer of the free ampin- 
hlasttlla liecomcs flattened, depressed, and finally inva 
ginated within the hemisphere of the granular cells, to 
the inner face of which It is closely applied, thus oblit- 
erating the original cleavage-cavity, but at the same time 
originating a secondary Invaginatlon-cavity. The two- 
layered sac thus produced lit the paragastrnla, whose outer 
or epiblastic layer gives rise to the ectoderm, and whose 
inner or hypoblastic layer originates the endodcrm, of the 
future sponge. 
paragastrular (par-a-gas'trij-lar), n. [< para- 
gaxtrula + -ar$.] 0"f or pertaining to a para- 
gastrula; having the character of a paragas- 
trula. 
paragastrulation (par-a-pas-trfHa'shon), 
[< paragaxtrula + -ation.'] The formation of a 
paragastrula by imagination of an amphiblas- 
tula. 
parage (par'aj), n. [<ME. parage, <OF. (andF.) 
parage = Pr. paratge = Sp. paraje = Pg. para- 
gem, parage = It. paraggio, < ML. paratienm 
(also, after OF., paraaium), equality, < L. par, 
equal: see par 2 , pairl.] 1. In /uir,"equality of 
name, blood, or dignity, but more especially of 
land in a division among heirs. 
He thought It a disparagement to have a paraae with 
any of his rank : and out of emulation did try his substance 
that it might not flow so fast into charitable works. 
Bp. Hackrt. Abp. Williams, U. 115. (Dariet.) 
2. The portion which a woman may obtain on 
her marriage. (I 'harttin. 3f. Birth; family; 
kindred; descent. 
For aproch thou to that prynce of parage noble. 
Alliterative />omw(ed. Morris), IL 187. 
