English dictionary

parenthesis

/p/@/'r/E/n/T//I/s/I/s/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

noun

either of two punctuation marks (or) used to enclose textual material

noun.communication

Source: WordNet 3.0
a message that departs from the main subject

noun.communication

Synonyms aside digression divagation excursus

Source: WordNet 3.0
A word, phrase, or sentence, by way of comment or explanation, inserted in, or attached to, a sentence which would be grammatically complete without it. It is usually inclosed within curved lines (see def. 2 below), or dashes.

noun

Source: webster1913