What is "parachordal"

Parachordal \Par`a*chor"dal\ (p[a^]r`[.a]*k[^o]r"dal), a. [Pref. para- + chordal.] (Anat.) Situated on either side of the notochord; -- applied especially to the cartilaginous rudiments of the skull on each side of the anterior part of the notochord. -- n. A parachordal cartilage.

a. Alongside the notochord in the embryonic skull n. Such a bar of cartilage that will form the base of the skull