An integral or essential piece; that which must be done or accepted as part of something else.

(idiomatic) To divide into portions or chunks; to ration.

(physics, meteorology) An imaginary body of air to which may be assigned any or all of the basic dynamic and thermodynamic properties of atmospheric air. A parcel is large enough to contain a very great number of molecules, but small enough so that the properties assigned to it are approximately uniform within it and so that its motions with respect to the surrounding atmosphere do not induce marked compensatory movements. It cannot be given precise numerical definition, but a cubic foot of air might fit well into most contexts where air parcels are discussed, particularly those related to static stability.

A bomb, disguised as a parcel, set to explode when unwrapped.

plural of parcel bomb

A postal service involving the shipping of parcels.

plural of air parcel

Partially gilded, especially on the inner side only.

Merchandise that is partially gilded; a partly gilded object.

(obsolete) A bad poet; a poetaster.