parabola

noun

pa·​rab·​o·​la pə-ˈra-bə-lə 

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)

Illustration of parabola

• F fixed point
• CD fixed line
• x moving point
• AB axis
• xy distance from x to CD
• pp′ parabola

Examples of parabola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps more surprisingly, using parabolas for multiplication forms an important branch of cryptography. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

With that perfect parabola, Cabo Verde drew level with Argentina, in extra time, on July 3rd. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Food and drink While many hoteliers rhapsodize about their estate-to-plate dishes, The Newt puts its guests right in the heart of the garden, in its café overlooking the parabola. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Wallmakers built the structure with four hyperbolic parabolas supported by just four footings. — Stefan Ionescu may 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek parabolḗ "juxtaposition, placement of a figure in contact with another, parabola" — more at parable

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

parabola

noun

pa·​rab·​o·​la pə-ˈrab-ə-lə 

1

: a curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to a straight line in its surface : a curve formed by a point moving so that its distance from a fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line

2

: something that is bowl-shaped

parabolic

ˌpar-ə-ˈbäl-ik

adjective