Parabola
/pəˈræb.ə.lə/noun
A symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone and a plane parallel to its side.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, 'parabola' was used to describe not just curves, but also the act of throwing something aside, hinting at its dual role in both geometry and rhetoric.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
παραβολή (parabolē)
“The act of throwing beside or comparison.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
parabola
“A term borrowed from Greek, referring to a comparison or a curved shape.”
14th Century
Old French
parabole
“A borrowed term referring to a geometric curve.”
16th Century
English
parabola
“Adopted into English from Latin, indicating the mathematical curve.”