The Very PARAgon of Quizzes

Answer: Parados

Protection from the rear. In trench warfare, you would build a parapet on the side facing the enemy. If you were particularly pessimistic you might also build a fortification on the other side to protect your rear. This is called a parados.

Answer: Paradigm

A paradigm is an example or model, often used to typify some quality. In grammar, the declension of a word in all its forms is also called a paradigm. (Remember hasta, etc. in Latin class? No? Oh well, we can't all be classicists).

Answer: Paralysis

Medically, paralysis is the loss of voluntary muscle power. The disease known as Parkinson's has the medical name Paralysis Agitans. Paralysis of one side of the body is hemiplegia, usually caused by a burst blood vessel or a clot blocking blood flow in the brain.

Answer: Paravane

This is a reference to a naval device which is towed behind a ship, and is designed to follow off to one side, below the surface. Another part of the paravane is able to catch a rope or chain and lead it into a cutter. The purpose is to catch mines, which after being cut loose float to the surface where they can be destroyed by gunfire.

Answer: Parapet

In general a parapet is a wall on the edge of a bridge or building which affords a forward viewing place. In trench warfare, a parapet is built on the side facing the enemy giving additional protection and also making a place from which to fire at the enemy.

Answer: Paraclete

Someone who is called to aid or comfort a person is called a paraclete. It is usually used in a spiritual context, and can imply the Holy Spirit. Your lawyer in court might also be called a paraclete (but better not to his face!).

Answer: Paragram

A paragram is a play on words, also called in academic circles paranomasia. A common form is changing a letter or a word in a phrase so as to change its meaning, achieving a witty effect. A pun is a weak form, as is a spoonerism.

Answer: Paradox

A statement or situation that seems to be absurd or impossible, but is not actually so. The classic example is that of the Cretan who always lies. If he says "All Cretans are liars.", is he telling the truth or lying? A literary example is by Gilbert in the "Pirates of Penzance" where a character reaches the age of 21 but finds he has only had 5 birthdays, having been born on February 29th.

At least, Gilbert says it is a paradox ("A paradox, a paradox, a most ingenious paradox") although I find it rather weak.

Answer: Paradise

In ancient Persian paradise was the royal pleasure garden, and parts of the Bible Old Testament gave it the same meaning. The Greek OT used it to describe the garden of Eden. In the New Testament different authors give the word several meanings where the location of paradise tended to move from earth towards heaven, to the ultimate place where the saints dwell in bliss.

Answer: Parable

A parable is an illustrative narrative or fable, which uses familiar ideas to convey a deeper meaning or moral. The Bible's New Testament contains many, mostly told by Jesus.