(computing, of a programming language) Supporting more than one programming paradigm, in order to allow the most suitable programming style for a task.

(mathematics) A theorem in set-theoretic geometry, which states that given a solid ball in three‑dimensional space, there exists a decomposition of the ball into a finite number of disjoint subsets, which can then be put back together in a different way to yield two identical copies of the original ball.

plural of parade lap

plural of paradigm shift

(economics) The apparently paradoxical observation that people's reported happiness varies directly with income both among and within nations, but over time happiness does not trend upward as income continues to grow.

(rare, usually in the plural) A seed of Aframomum melegueta.

plural of parallel circuit

(philosophy) The paradox that (i) people have emotional responses to fictitious events, and (ii) one must believe that something truly exists in order to be emotionally moved by it, but (iii) nobody who considers an event to be fictitious can also believe it to be real.

(set theory) A demonstration of a surprising property of infinite sets. Some positive integers are squares while others are not; therefore, all the numbers, including both squares and non-squares, must be more numerous than just the squares; yet for every square there is exactly one positive number that is its square root, and for every number there is exactly one square; hence, there cannot be more of one than of the other.

(fluid dynamics) The contradiction that, for incompressible and inviscid potential flow, the drag force is zero on a body moving with constant velocity relative to the fluid.