Search Dictionary
Definition of parabola

parabola

/pəˈræb.ə.lə/
pa · rab · o · la
Adverb:parabolically
•
Plural:parabolas
•
Adjective:parabolic
JUMP TO:

parabola Lexical Profile

parabola Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side, where every point on the curve is equidistant from a fixed focus and a fixed straight line (the directrix).

Example

"In algebra class, the students learned how to graph a parabola using a quadratic equation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for parabola

• Nearby Words

par
para
parable
parabola
parabolic
paracetamol
parachute

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Modern Latin parabola, from Ancient Greek parabolē ('juxtaposition, comparison, application'), derived from paraballein ('to throw beside'). The geometric sense was coined by the Greek mathematician Apollonius of Perga because the curve is produced by cutting a cone with a plane parallel to its side.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Parabola. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/parabola
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.