Dictionary-Definition.com :: Parabolic definition

Definition of 'parabolic'

adjective

Resembling or expressed by parables [syn: parabolic, parabolical]

adjective

Having the form of a parabola [syn: parabolic, parabolical]

From: GCIDE

Parabolic \Par`a*bol"ic\, Parabolical \Par`a*bol"ic*al\, a. [Gr. paraboliko`s figurative: cf. F. parabolique. See Parable.] [1913 Webster]
1. Of the nature of a parable; expressed by a parable or figure; allegorical; as, parabolical instruction. [1913 Webster]
2. [From Parabola.] (Geom.) (a) Having the form or nature of a parabola; pertaining to, or resembling, a parabola; as, a parabolic curve. (b) Having a form like that generated by the revolution of a parabola, or by a line that moves on a parabola as a directing curve; as, a parabolic conoid; a parabolic reflector; a parabolic antenna. [1913 Webster +PJC]
Parabolic conoid, a paraboloid; a conoid whose directing curve is a parabola. See Conoid.
Parabolic mirror (Opt.), a mirror having a paraboloidal surface which gives for parallel rays (as those from very distant objects) images free from aberration. It is used in reflecting telescopes.
Parabolic spindle, the solid generated by revolving the portion of a parabola cut off by a line drawn at right angles to the axis of the curve, about that line as an axis.
Parabolic spiral, a spiral curve conceived to be formed by the periphery of a semiparabola when its axis is wrapped about a circle; also, any other spiral curve having an analogy to the parabola. [1913 Webster]