parenthesis
noun
pa·ren·the·sis
pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs
plural parentheses
pə-ˈren(t)-thə-ˌsēz
1
a
: an amplifying (see amplify sense 1) or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from which it is usually set off by punctuation
explained further in a parenthesis
b
: a remark or passage that departs from the theme of a discourse : digression
The speaker inserted some often amusing parentheses during his speech.
3
: one or both of the curved marks ( ) used in writing and printing to enclose a parenthetical expression or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical expression
The plant's common name is followed by its Latin name in parentheses.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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