parabola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “parabola” mean?
A symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side; the path of a projectile under the influence of gravity (ignoring air resistance).
Used metaphorically to describe any arc-shaped or U-shaped trajectory, path, or object. Also refers to a parabolic reflector or microphone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “parabola” in a Sentence
The [object] followed a near-perfect parabola.The graph of the equation is a parabola.A parabola is defined by the equation y = ax² + bx + c.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parabola” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The satellite dish had a parabolic shape.
- The data showed a parabolic increase.
American English
- The microphone had a parabolic reflector.
- The stock's rise was parabolic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in presentations about product design or satellite technology.
Academic
Common in mathematics, physics, and engineering contexts.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only with reference to specific shapes or paths (e.g., 'The ball's path was a perfect parabola.').
Technical
The primary context. Precise term in geometry, optics, and ballistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parabola”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parabola”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parabola”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˌpær.əˈboʊ.lə/ (like 'parable' with an 'o').
- Using 'parabola' to describe any non-symmetrical curve.
- Confusing it with 'hyperbola' or 'ellipse'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A parabola is an open curve where distances from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed line (directrix) are equal. A hyperbola consists of two separate, mirror-image curves.
No, 'parabola' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'parabolic'.
Yes, especially in finance and journalism to describe a very rapid, curved increase (e.g., 'parabolic rise in prices').
Because gravity causes a constant downward acceleration, combining with the object's initial horizontal velocity to create a symmetrical curved path, assuming no air resistance.
A symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side.
Parabola is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Parabola: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈræb.əl.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈræb.əl.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PARAbrother (PARAbro) LAunching a ball in a perfect arc – PARAboLA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY is a PARABOLA (e.g., 'His career followed a parabolic trajectory, rising quickly and then falling sharply').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'parabola' most precisely and frequently used?