hyperbola

[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.
Origin
1660-70; < New Latin < Greek hyperbolḗ the geometrical term, literally, excess. See hyperbole
Examples from the web for hyperbola
  • To create global human policy based on emotion and hyperbola has always been the stuff of politicians.
  • These keywords overlay a reflection hyperbola on the image and a cross noting where the object would be in distance-time space.
British Dictionary definitions for hyperbola

hyperbola

/haɪˈpɜːbələ/
noun (pl) -las, -le (-ˌliː)
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: x²/a² – y²/b² = 1 where 2a is the distance between the two intersections with the x-axis and b = a√(e² – 1), where e is the eccentricity
Word Origin
C17: from Greek huperbolē, literally: excess, extravagance, from hyper- + ballein to throw
Word Origin and History for hyperbola
n.

1660s, from Latinized form of Greek hyperbole "extravagance," literally "a throwing beyond" (see hyperbole). Perhaps so called because the inclination of the plane to the base of the cone exceeds that of the side of the cone.

hyperbola in Science
hyperbola
  (hī-pûr'bə-lə)   

Plural hyperbolas or hyperbolae (hī-pûr'bə-lē)
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.
hyperbola in Culture
hyperbola [(heye-pur-buh-luh)]

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

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