What does parabolical mean?
Parabolical is a technical adjective meaning related to a parabola or having the form or properties of a parabola. A parabola is a symmetrical curved line or surface defined by a particular mathematical relationship, and parabolical devices use this shape to reflect or focus sound, light, or other waves. The adjective can describe a curve, a surface, a reflector, or a mathematical process. It is related to the more familiar form parabolic, which is generally preferred in modern scientific and mathematical prose. Parabolical is therefore best understood as a formal or specialized alternative to parabolic, especially when describing a shape or an optical or acoustic device.
adjectiveOf, relating to, or resembling a parabola; parabolic.
- Resembling or having the geometric properties of a parabola.
- Relating to or involving a parabolic curve or surface.
"The designer used a parabolical reflector to concentrate the light."
"The parabolical dish directs radio signals toward the receiver."
"Her explanation of the motion was parabolical rather than linear."
Parabolical belongs to the family of mathematical terms that describe the curved shapes used to focus sound, light, and radio waves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parabolical come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek, combining the elements para-, meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and ballein, meaning “to throw.” The same roots produced parabola, the geometric curve, and the related adjective parabolic. The form parabolical reflects the older Latinized adjective pattern and is less common today than parabolic.
Related word forms
How parabolical is actually used
Parabolical is a specialized mathematical and technical adjective. In general scientific writing, parabolic is often more usual.