Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the form of a parabola: Relating to or shaped like a parabola, which is a symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side.
   • Resembling or expressed by a parable: Of, relating to, or in the style of a parable; a short story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Mathematical/Geometric):
  • The satellite dish has a parabolic shape to focus signals.
  • The mirror's surface is precisely parabolic to concentrate light.
• Adjective (Literary/Religious):
  • The teacher used a parabolic story to explain the complex concept.
  • His teachings were often parabolic, requiring interpretation.

Advanced Usage

• "Parabolic reflector": A device with a parabolic shape used to collect or project energy such as light or sound waves.
  • The telescope uses a large parabolic reflector to gather light from distant stars.
• "Parabolic flight": A flight path that creates a period of weightlessness by following a parabolic arc, simulating zero-gravity.
  • Astronauts train in parabolic flights to experience microgravity.

Variants and Related Words

• Parabolical (adj): An alternative, less common form of "parabolic" with the same meanings.
• Parabola (n): The specific geometric curve.
  • The ball's trajectory described a perfect parabola.
• Paraboloid (n): A solid or surface whose plane sections are parabolas.
  • The structure was designed as a paraboloid.

Synonyms

• Curved (for the geometric sense): Having a smooth, bent shape.
• Allegorical (for the literary sense): Conveying a hidden meaning through symbolic figures and actions.

Related Phrases

• Parabolic trajectory/path: The curved path of an object, like a thrown ball, that follows the shape of a parabola under ideal conditions (ignoring air resistance).
  • The projectile followed a parabolic trajectory.
• Parabolic microphone: A microphone that uses a parabolic reflector to focus sound waves, often used to capture distant sounds.
  • The nature documentary crew used a parabolic microphone to record bird calls.

Adjective

1. having the form of a parabola
2. resembling or expressed by parables