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 parables: Of, relating to, or of the nature of a parable; using allegorical stories to convey a moral or spiritual lesson.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Geometric Form):

  • The satellite dish has a distinct parabolical shape to focus signals.
  • The architect designed a roof with a parabolical curve.

• Adjective (Resembling a Parable):

  • The teacher's parabolical tale about the ants and the grasshopper taught the children about hard work.
  • His speech was not direct but parabolical, requiring interpretation to understand its deeper meaning.

Advanced Usage

• "In a parabolical sense": Understood metaphorically or allegorically, not literally.
  • We must read this ancient text in a parabolical sense to grasp its wisdom.

Variants and Related Words

• Parabolic (adj): The more common variant with identical meanings.

  • The parabolic mirror concentrated sunlight.
  • Jesus often taught in parabolic language.

• Parabola (n): The geometric curve itself.

  • The ball's trajectory described a perfect parabola.

• Parable (n): A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

  • The Good Samaritan is a famous parable.

Synonyms

• Allegorical: Representing abstract ideas through symbolic figures and actions.
• Metaphorical: Describing one thing in terms of another, suggesting a likeness.
• Curved: Having a smooth, bent shape (for the geometric sense).
• Arced: Forming a curve (for the geometric sense).

Antonyms

• Literal: Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
• Straight: Extending uniformly in one direction without a curve.
• Direct: Straightforward and clear in meaning.

Related Phrases

• Parabolical reflector: A device with a parabolic shape used to collect or project energy (e.g., light, sound, radio waves).

  • The telescope uses a large parabolical reflector to gather light from distant stars.

• Speak in parabolical terms: To communicate using allegory or indirect storytelling.

  • The philosopher preferred to speak in parabolical terms to provoke thought.

Adjective

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