conic section

noun

, Geometry.

1. a curve formed by the intersection of a plane with a right circular cone; an ellipse, a circle, a parabola, or a hyperbola.

conic section

noun

1. one of a group of curves formed by the intersection of a plane and a right circular cone. It is either a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola, depending on the eccentricity, e , which is constant for a particular curve e = 0 for a circle; e <1 for an ellipse; e = 1 for a parabola; e>1 for a hyperbola Often shortened toconic

conic section

1. A curve formed by the intersection of a plane with a cone. Conic sections can appear as circles, ellipses, hyperbolas, or parabolas, depending on the angle of the intersecting plane relative to the cone's base.

Word History and Origins

Origin of conic section¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Analytically, it is defined by an equation of the second degree, of which the highest terms have real roots (see Conic Section).

From Project Gutenberg

In order to do this, we must first determine the social properties of a conic section.

From Project Gutenberg

The Confederacy has flanked the Conic Section, and is trying to escape.

From Project Gutenberg

Excluding the general group itself, every one of these leaves either a point, a line, or a conic section unaltered.

From Project Gutenberg

Parabola, a conic section formed by the intersection of a cone by a plane parallel to one of its sides.

From Project Gutenberg