hyperbolic paraboloid

noun

: a saddle-shaped quadric surface whose sections by planes parallel to one coordinate plane are hyperbolas while those sections by planes parallel to the other two are parabolas if proper orientation of the coordinate axes is assumed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Now this hyperbolic paraboloid roof (apparently that's the technical term) looks sharp enough to poke a hole in the Jolly Green Giant, and this corner is site of the Palm Springs Visitors Center. —

Christopher Reynolds, latimes.com, 19 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hyperbolic paraboloid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hyperbolic paraboloid was in 1842

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near hyperbolic paraboloid

hyperbolic navigation

hyperbolic paraboloid

hyperbolic secant

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Cite this Entry

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“Hyperbolic paraboloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperbolic%20paraboloid. Accessed 2 Feb. 2023.

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