Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parabola

Noun

/pəˈræb.ə.lə/

Definition

A parabola is a U-shaped curve that is defined as the set of all points that are equidistant from a fixed point called the focus and a fixed line called the directrix.

Examples

The path of a projectile follows a parabolic trajectory.
In algebra, the graph of a quadratic function is a parabola.
The satellite dish is designed in the shape of a parabola to focus signals.

Meaning

In mathematics, a parabola is a type of conic section formed by the intersection of a right circular conical surface and a plane parallel to an element of the cone.