hyperbola

American  

[hahy-pur-buh-luh] / haɪˈpɜr bə lə /

noun

Geometry.

1. 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.

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hyperbola British  

/ haɪˈpɜːbələ /

noun

1. 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

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hyperbola Scientific  

/ hī-pûr′bə-lə /

plural

hyperbolas

1. 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.

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hyperbola Cultural  

1. In geometry, a curve having a single bend, with lines going infinitely far from the bend.

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Discover More

The path of a comet that enters the solar system and then leaves forever is a hyperbolic curve (half of a hyperbola).

Etymology

Origin of hyperbola

1660–70; < New Latin < Greek hyperbolḗ the geometrical term, literally, excess. See hyperbole

Compare meaning

How does hyperbola compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ellipse vs. hyperbola

Example Sentences

A hyperbola is all points in a plane where the difference of their distances from two fixed points is constant.

From Textbooks • Sep. 23, 2020

Since the y2 - term is positive, the hyperbola opens up and down.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

The a, b values in the equation also help us find the asymptotes of the hyperbola.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

There are four conics—the circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

Their under surfaces were of many different designs, and were of as many shapes as it is conceivable could be made of combinations of the circle and hyperbola.

From Etidorhpa or the End of Earth. The Strange History of a Mysterious Being and The Account of a Remarkable Journey by Lloyd, John Uri

Related Words

• arc
• arch
• contour
• loop
• trajectory