Pairing

[pair-ing] /ˈpɛər ɪŋ/

noun
1.
a coupling.
2.
Cell Biology. the lining up of the two homologous chromosomes or chromatids of each chromosome in meiosis or mitosis.
Compare .
[pair] /pɛər/
noun, plural pairs, pair.
1.
two identical, similar, or corresponding things that are matched for use together:
a pair of gloves; a pair of earrings.
2.
something consisting of or regarded as having two parts or pieces joined together:
a pair of scissors; a pair of slacks.
3.
two individuals who are similar or in some way associated:
a pair of liars; a pair of seal pups.
4.
a married, engaged, or dating couple.
5.
two mated animals.
6.
a span or team:
a pair of horses.
7.
Government.

8.
Cards.

9.
pairs, .
10.
Also called kinematic pair. Mechanics. two parts or pieces so connected that they mutually constrain relative motion.
11.
Philately. two postage stamps joined together either vertically or horizontally.
12.
a set or combination of more than two objects forming a collective whole:
a pair of beads.
verb (used with object)
13.
to arrange or designate in pairs or groups of two:
She paired dancers for the waltz contest.
14.
to form into a pair, as by matching, joining, etc.; match; couple:
to pair freshly washed socks.
15.
(of animals) to cause to mate.
verb (used without object)
16.
to separate into pairs or groups of two (usually followed by off ):
to pair off for a procession.
17.
to form a pair or pairs.
18.
to be a member of a pair.
19.
to match with or resemble another.
20.
to unite in close association with another, as in a business partnership, friendship, marriage, etc.
21.
(of animals) to mate.
22.
Government. (in a deliberative body) to form or arrange a pair.
Idioms
23.
grow a pair, Slang: Vulgar. to act in a stereotypically manly way, as by being brave:
Stop the whining and grow a pair!
/pɛə/
noun (pl) pairs, (functioning as singular or plural) pair
1.
two identical or similar things matched for use together: a pair of socks
2.
two persons, animals, things, etc, used or grouped together: a pair of horses, a pair of scoundrels
3.
an object considered to be two identical or similar things joined together: a pair of trousers
4.
two people joined in love or marriage
5.
a male and a female animal of the same species, esp such animals kept for breeding purposes
6.
(parliamentary procedure)

7.
two playing cards of the same rank or denomination: a pair of threes
8.
one member of a matching pair: I can’t find the pair to this glove
9.
(cricket) a pair of spectacles (the cricketing term) See spectacles (sense 2)
10.
(rowing) See pair-oar
11.
(Brit & US, dialect) a group or set of more than two
12.
(logic, maths)

verb
13.
(often foll by off) to arrange or fall into groups of twos
14.
to group or be grouped in matching pairs: to pair socks
15.
to join or be joined in marriage; mate or couple
16.
(when transitive, usually passive) (parliamentary procedure) to form or cause to form a pair: 18 members were paired for the last vote
/per/
adjective
1.
a Scot word for poor
n.

mid-13c., “two of a kind coupled in use,” from Old French paire “pair, couple,” and directly from Medieval Latin paria “equals,” neuter plural of Latin par (genitive paris) “a pair, counterpart, equal,” noun use of par (adj.) “equal, equal-sized, well-matched” (see par (n.)). Originally of things. Of persons from late 14c. Meaning “a woman’s breasts” is attested from 1922. Pair bond (v.) is first attested 1940, in reference to birds mating.
v.

“to come together with another; be mated or married” (intransitive), also “to make a pair by matching” (transitive), c.1600, from pair (n.). These senses now often are distinguished by pair off (c.1803) for the former and pair up (1908) for the latter. Related: Paired; pairing.

noun

A woman’s breasts •Regarded as offensive by many women (1922+)
In addition to the idiom beginning with pair