1.  A term used to describe anything that is beyond (para-) our normal experience. It has been adopted by many because it can encompass a wider range of unusual phenomena than previous terms such as extra-sensory perception.

2.  Something that is beyond what is usually considered normal. A term frequently used today to indicate a more scientific grounding to the study of such things a ghosts, UFOs, abilities such as telepathy and clairvoyance.

3.  Occurrences that take place outside the natural order of thins: ghosts, UFOs, ESP; difficult to explain; beyond the normal, yet in the realm of the natural; something that is beyond the range of normal human experience.