User Contributed Dictionary
Pronunciation
/pɚˈækɹənɪzm/Noun
- An error in chronological order in which one is ascribed a later time; metachronism.
Related terms
Extensive Definition
A parachronism (from the Greek
"παρά," "on the side," and "χρόνος," "time") is anything that
appears in a temporal context in
which, though not sufficiently out of place as to be impossible, is
not normally found in that time period. The item is often an
object, but may be a verbal expression, a technology, a
philosophical idea, a musical style, a material, a custom, or
anything else closely enough bound to a particular period as to
seem strange when viewed in a later time period.
Parachronisms are usually seen as objects or
ideas which were once common, but are now considered rare or
inappropriate. They often take the form of obsolete technology or
outdated fashion. This is different from an anachronism, in which the
object or idea in question had not yet been invented when the
situation takes place, and is therefore impossible to have existed
at that time.