parabolic

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   mathematics: having the shape or properties of a parabola

   The telescope uses a parabolic mirror to focus incoming light.

2. 2
   adj

   expressed as, resembling, or relating to a parable

   The teacher used a parabolic story to convey the moral indirectly.

From Greek parabolikos, 'figurative or relating to a comparison,' through Late Latin. Greek parabole meant both a comparison or parable and, in mathematics, an application; these histories underlie the word's literary and geometric senses.

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