an amplifying or explanatory word or phrase inserted in a passage and set off, in writing, by punctuation
either or both of the curved marks (or) used in writing and printing to enclose a parenthesis or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical expression. Also called bracket1 (1a)
an interlude or interval
parenthetic /parənʹthetik/ adj
parenthetical /parənʹthetikl/ adj
parenthetically /parənʹthetikli/ adv
[via late Latin from Greek parenthesis, from parentithenai to insert, from para-1 + tithenai to place]