parabasis

noun

pa·​rab·​a·​sis

pəˈrabəsə̇s

plural parabases

-əˌsēz

: an important choral ode in the Old Greek comedy mainly in anapestic tetrameters delivered by the chorus at an intermission in the action while facing and moving toward the audience

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from parabainein to go aside, step forward, from para- para- entry 1 + bainein to walk, step, go

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!