What is the difference between 'conic' and 'conical'?

They are synonyms. 'Conical' is slightly more common in general descriptions, while 'conic' is often used in technical compounds like 'conic section'.

Can 'conic' be used as a noun?

Rarely. In very technical mathematical contexts, it can shorthand 'conic section', but 'cone' is the standard noun.

Is 'conic' a common word?

No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. The average learner will encounter it only in scientific or mathematical contexts.

What are the main 'conic sections'?

The circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola.

Is “conic” formal?

Conic is usually technical/academic in register.

How do you pronounce “conic”?

Conic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

conic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈkɒnɪk/US/ˈkɑːnɪk/

Technical/Academic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “conic” mean?

Having the shape of a cone.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Having the shape of a cone; relating to or resembling a cone.

In mathematics, relating to or denoting a conic section (the curve formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.

Connotations

Identical technical connotations in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, confined to technical domains.

Grammar

How to Use “conic” in a Sentence

adjective + noun (conic shape)be + adjective (The roof is conic.)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

conic sectionconic shapeconic projection

medium

conic surfaceconic curveconic form

weak

conic objectconic structureconic design

Examples

Examples of “conic” in a Sentence

verb

British English

Not applicable as a verb.

American English

Not applicable as a verb.

adverb

British English

Not applicable as an adverb.

American English

Not applicable as an adverb.

adjective

British English

The architect designed a striking conic tower for the city centre.

American English

The mountain had a distinct, conic peak visible from the highway.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rarely used. Might appear in architectural or product design contexts.

Academic

Common in mathematics, geometry, physics, and engineering texts.

Everyday

Very rare. 'Cone-shaped' is preferred.

Technical

Standard term in geometry for curves (conic sections) and shapes.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “conic”

Strong

conical

Neutral

cone-shapedtapered

Weak

pointedpyramidal

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “conic”

cylindricalflatspherical

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “conic”

Using 'conic' as a noun in everyday language (use 'cone').
Misspelling as 'conical' when the shorter form is required in technical compounds.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: They are synonyms. 'Conical' is slightly more common in general descriptions, while 'conic' is often used in technical compounds like 'conic section'.
: Rarely. In very technical mathematical contexts, it can shorthand 'conic section', but 'cone' is the standard noun.
: No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. The average learner will encounter it only in scientific or mathematical contexts.
: The circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola.
: Having the shape of a cone.
: Conic is usually technical/academic in register.
: Conic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of an ICE CREAM CONE. CONIC sounds like CONE-ic, meaning cone-like.

Conceptual Metaphor

SHAPE IS GEOMETRY (abstracting a natural form into a mathematical concept).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

A parabola is a type of section studied in analytic geometry.

Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'conic' most frequently used?