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

The only way to experience weightlessness without going to space is to ride aboard a plane that performs parabolas, with some including a few seconds of weightlessness. —Ailsa Harvey, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Shells traced parabolas, as R.S.O. soldiers battled the Arakan Army. —Adam Ferguson, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024

Navarro’s forehand is heavy, arcing and spitting out of the court, its parabola deceiving Gauff at a crucial moment. —Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 8 July 2024

On the first weightless parabola, my shoelaces came undone. —Nicola Twilley, WIRED, 11 Feb. 2020

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