Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parabola

Noun

/pəˈræb.ə.lə/

Definition

A parabola is a symmetric curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side.

Examples

The trajectory of a ball thrown in the air follows a parabolic path.
Many satellite dishes are designed in the shape of a parabola to focus signals.
In physics, the motion of an object under the influence of gravity is often modeled with a parabola.

Meaning

In mathematics, a parabola is a type of conic section that has the shape of a ‘U’ or inverted ‘U’. It can be defined as the set of all points that are equidistant from a fixed point (the focus) and a fixed line (the directrix).