Parabolic
Parabolic , adjective
[Greek paraboliko`s figurative: compare French parabolique. See Parable.]
1.
Of the nature of a parable; expressed by a parable or figure; allegorical; as, parabolical instruction.
2.
(a) (Geometry) Having the form or nature of a parabola; pertaining to, or resembling, a parabola; as, a parabolic curve.
(b)
(Geometry) Having a form like that generated by the revolution of a parabola, or by a line that moves on a parabola as a directing curve; as, a parabolic conoid; a parabolic reflector; a parabolic antenna.
Collocations (4)
Parabolic conoid , a paraboloid; a conoid whose directing curve is a parabola. See Conoid.
Parabolic mirror (Optics) , a mirror having a paraboloidal surface which gives for parallel rays (as those from very distant objects) images free from aberration. It is used in reflecting telescopes.
Parabolic spindle , the solid generated by revolving the portion of a parabola cut off by a line drawn at right angles to the axis of the curve, about that line as an axis.
Parabolic spiral , a spiral curve conceived to be formed by the periphery of a semiparabola when its axis is wrapped about a circle; also, any other spiral curve having an analogy to the parabola.
Also: Parabolical