noun
- plural of parabola; U-shaped curves formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane, or the graph of a quadratic equation
Usage: mathematics
Examples
- The students graphed several parabolas on their coordinate planes.
- Satellite dishes are shaped like parabolas to focus radio waves.
- The trajectory of a thrown ball follows one of many possible parabolas.
- In algebra class, we learned to identify the vertex of parabolas.
- The architect designed the bridge using parabolas for structural support.
- Water fountains often create parabolas as the water arcs through the air.