parabola
Meaning
a type of curve like the path of something thrown into the air and coming down again.
a plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone with a plane parallel to an element of the cone.
Structure
Usage
the satellite dish is shaped like a parabola to focus signals.
the water from the fountain arched in a perfect parabola.
in algebra, we learned to graph the equation of a parabola.
Etymology
the word parabola originates from the greek "parabole", which itself is a compound of "para-" (beside) and "bole" (a throw). this term was used in geometry by apollonius of perga to describe a conic section, drawing a metaphorical link to the idea of an object being "thrown alongside" or a comparison. the underlying logic connects the geometric shape to the trajectory of a thrown object, which follows a parabolic path. it entered english via late latin, retaining its precise mathematical meaning while the root "para-" has proliferated in many other english words denoting adjacency or parallel concepts.
Analysis
para is a prefix of greek origin meaning "beside, alongside, or beyond". bola is from the greek "bole" meaning "a throw, casting".