hyperbola Hear it!

hyperbola Definition

hy·per·bola (hī pʉr′bə lə)

noun pl. -·las or -·lae′-lē

Geom. the path of a point that moves so that the difference of its distances from two fixed points, the foci, is constant; curve formed by the section of a cone cut by a plane more steeply inclined than the side of the cone

Etymology: ModL < Gr hyperbolē, a throwing beyond, excess < hyperballein, to throw beyond < hyper- (see hyper-) + ballein, to throw (see ball)

hyperbola Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • rectangular: Rectangular hyperbola A demand curve that displays unitary elasticity along its length.