What it means
The beginning of words for something next to, or apart from, the usual. In parathyroid it means beside (the small glands beside the thyroid); in paraplegia it means beside or partial (paralysis of the lower half of the body); in paresthesia it means abnormal (a pins-and-needles feeling). In parenteralpuh-REN-ter-ulGiven by a route other than the digestive tract, usually by injection or into a vein.para- beside, apart fromenter/o intestine-al relating toFull entry it means beside or apart from the intestine, because the drug does not go through the gut.
Related terms
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
parenteral
Given by a route other than the digestive tract, usually by injection or into a vein.