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definitions

paraprofessional

[ par-uh-pruh-fesh-uh-nl ]
/ ˌpær ə prəˈfɛʃ ə nl /
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noun

a person trained to assist a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or other professional, but not licensed to practice in the profession.

adjective

of or relating to paraprofessionals.

RELATED WORDS

backup, servant, companion, collaborator, attendant, apprentice, temp, help, deputy, aide, follower, partner, subordinate, supporter, accomplice, coadjutor, abettor, henchman, adjunct, ally

Nearby words

  1. paraplegia,
  2. paraplegic,
  3. parapodium,
  4. parapraxia,
  5. parapraxis,
  6. paraprotein,
  7. paraproteinemia,
  8. parapsia,
  9. parapsoriasis,
  10. parapsychology

Origin of paraprofessional

First recorded in 1965–70; para-1 + professional
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Word Origin and History for paraprofessional

paraprofessional

adj.

1962, from para- (1) + professional (adj.). As a noun from 1968.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper