Parenthesis /(pȧ*rĕn"thē̇*sĭs)/

pl. Parentheses

1. 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.

   Don't suffer every occasional thought to carry you away into a long parenthesis.

2. One of the curved lines () which inclose a parenthetic word or phrase. (Print.)