Parabola - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A parabola is a symmetrical U-shaped curve formed by the graph of a quadratic function. It is commonly seen in physics, engineering, and mathematics, such as the path of a thrown ball.
Definition:
A symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side.
Synonyms:
curve, arc, conic section
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
straight line, angle
Common Collocations:
parabolic curve, focus of a parabola, vertex of a parabola
Derivatives:
parabolic, paraboloid
Usage Tips:
Use "parabola" to describe U-shaped curves in math or physics contexts.
Common Phrases:
parabolic trajectory, parabolic mirror, parabolic arch
Etymology:
From Greek "parabolē," meaning "comparison" or "application," later used in geometry.
Examples:
- 1. The parabola on the graph was perfectly symmetrical.
- 2. She drew a parabola to explain the projectile's path.
- 3. The satellite dish has a parabolic shape for better signal reception.
- 4. A parabola can model the trajectory of a thrown ball.