Definition of parabola
1 : a plane curve generated by a point moving so that its distance from a fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line : the intersection of a right circular cone with a plane parallel to an element of the cone
2 : something bowl-shaped (such as an antenna or microphone reflector)
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Illustration of parabola
Origin and Etymology of parabola
New Latin, from Greek parabolē, literally, comparison
First Known Use: 1575
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PARABOLA Defined for English Language Learners
parabola
playDefinition of parabola for English Language Learners
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: a curve that is shaped like the path of something that is thrown forward and high in the air and falls back to the ground
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Spanish Central: Translation of parabola Nglish: Translation of parabola for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of parabola for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parabola
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