hyperbola

[ hahy-pur-buh-luh ]
/ haɪˈpɜr bə lə /

noun Geometry.

the set of points in a plane whose distances to two fixed points in the plane have a constant difference; a curve consisting of two distinct and similar branches, formed by the intersection of a plane with a right circular cone when the plane makes a greater angle with the base than does the generator of the cone. Equation: x 2/a 2y 2/b 2 = ±1.

Origin of hyperbola

1660–70; < New Latin < Greek hyperbolḗ the geometrical term, literally, excess. See hyperbole

Example sentences from the Web for hyperbola

British Dictionary definitions for hyperbola

hyperbola
/ (haɪˈpɜːbələ) /

noun plural -las or -le (-ˌliː)

a conic section formed by a plane that cuts both bases of a cone; it consists of two branches asymptotic to two intersecting fixed lines and has two foci. Standard equation: x ²/ a ² – y ²/ b ² = 1 where 2 a is the distance between the two intersections with the x -axis and b = a √(e ² – 1), where e is the eccentricity

Word Origin for hyperbola

C17: from Greek huperbolē, literally: excess, extravagance, from hyper- + ballein to throw

Scientific definitions for hyperbola

hyperbola
[ hī-pûrbə-lə ]

Plural hyperbolas hyperbolae (hī-pûrbə-lē)

A plane curve having two separate parts or branches, formed when two cones that point toward one another are intersected by a plane that is parallel to the axes of the cones.

Cultural definitions for hyperbola

hyperbola
[ (heye-pur-buh-luh) ]

In geometry, a curve having a single bend, with lines going infinitely far from the bend.

notes for hyperbola

The path of a comet that enters the solar system and then leaves forever is a hyperbolic curve (half of a hyperbola).