放物線(ほうぶつせん)

ほうぶつせん
noun
parabola
science
1. parabola
A U-shaped curve in mathematics, defined as the set of points equidistant from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed line (directrix). Also used figuratively to describe arc-like trajectories.
放物線(ほうぶつせん)を描(えが)く。
To trace a parabola.
ボールは美(うつく)しい放物線(ほうぶつせん)を描(えが)いてスタンドに入(はい)った。
The ball traced a beautiful arc into the stands.
数学(すうがく)で放物線(ほうぶつせん)の方程式(ほうていしき)を習(なら)った。
I learned the equation of a parabola in math class.

Literally 'thrown-object line,' reflecting the parabolic path of a projectile. Commonly used both in mathematical contexts and figuratively in sports commentary to describe the arc of a ball.

Common collocations

Related words

  • 双曲線(そうきょくせん): hyperbola
  • 楕円(だえん): ellipse
  • 二次関数(にじかんすう): quadratic function — the function that produces a parabola
  • 弧(こ): arc — a curved line segment

Related Words

Related: 楕円(だえん) (ellipse)
general
Added 2026.3.31 7:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
20500/20966_houbutsusen