WordGarden.ioparabolic
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˌærəbˈɒlɪk/
US
- /ˌpɛrəˈbɑlɪk/
Meanings
Adjective
shaped like a parabola or involving a parabola-shaped curve or path
relating to or resembling a parable
Beyond the definition
Imagine throwing a ball. It does not travel in a straight line. It rises, bends, and falls in a smooth arc. That kind of path is parabolic. The word describes something shaped like a parabola, a curved form often seen in motion, math, and design.
It is not just used in physics. In finance or everyday talk, a "parabolic move" is a rise that starts out slower and then shoots up very quickly. You may also hear it used for objects such as satellite dishes, arches, or reflectors that have this curved shape. So when you see a smooth arc or a trend that suddenly turns steep, parabolic is often the right word.
The word "parabolic" comes from "parabola," the mathematical name for a certain kind of curve. It may sound technical, but this shape appears in many ordinary places. Satellite dishes and car headlights use parabolic reflectors because they can direct light or radio waves in a controlled way. The path of a thrown ball, a stream of water from a fountain, or the shape of some arches can also be described as parabolic, at least approximately.
The word is also used for patterns of change, especially when something starts rising and then becomes much steeper. In mathematics, charts, and finance, a parabolic rise or curve suggests rapid acceleration and often hints that the pace may not last for long. That is why people use it for markets, prices, or trends that seem to shoot upward.
There is also a literary meaning. Because it is related to the word "parable," parabolic can describe a story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson. This use is much less common than the geometric one, but it is still correct in the right context. So the word can point to a curved shape, a sharply rising pattern, or, more rarely, something that has the nature of a parable.
Examples
- 1
Trajectory
The ball followed a parabolic path through the air.
- 2
Optics
Engineers used a parabolic mirror to focus sunlight onto one small point.
- 3
Radio astronomy
The observatory’s parabolic dish can receive weak radio signals from space.
- 4
Weightless flight
During parabolic flight, passengers feel weightless for a few seconds.
- Phraseparabolic flight
a flight pattern that briefly creates weightlessness
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Finance
After the announcement, the stock went parabolic for two days.
- Phrasego parabolic
rise extremely fast, especially in finance or crypto
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- parabolicadjective