1. a curved line that is U-shaped, formed when a cone is cut by a plane parallel to its side
Usage: mathematics; geometry

Examples

• The graph of y = x² forms a parabola.
• The path of a thrown ball follows a parabolic curve.
• In geometry class, we learned to identify different types of parabolas.
• The satellite dish has a parabolic shape to focus radio waves.
• The fountain’s water arc traced a perfect parabola.
• Headlight reflectors often use parabolic mirrors to direct light.