parabola

Definitions

para- (beside, alongside) + bola (from bol, throw) = 'thrown beside.' Greek geometers named this curve from how it lies alongside the slope of a cone. Fittingly, it is also the exact path of any object you throw — same root, doubly apt.

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The ball traced a perfect parabola before landing in the net.

• 2.

  Graph the equation and you get a parabola opening upward.