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 2 − y 2/b 2 = ±1.
Origin of hyperbola
1660–70; < New Latin < Greek
hyperbolḗ the geometrical term, literally, excess. See
hyperbole
Words nearby hyperbola
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-pûr′bə-lə ]
Plural hyperbolas hyperbolae (hī-pûr′bə-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).