parabolic
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˌpɛɹəˈbɑɫɪk// UK //pˌæɹəbˈɒlɪk// par·a·bol·ic
adj. shaped like a curve that is wide in the middle and narrows at the ends. You often see this shape in math or when looking at the path of a thrown ball.
adj. relating to or having the shape of a parabola, a U-shaped curve. In mathematics, it describes a quadratic function; in physics, it describes the trajectory of a projectile under gravity.
The satellite dish has a parabolic shape to focus the signal.
The architect used a parabolic arch to distribute the weight of the bridge more evenly across the supports.
The parabolic mirror in the telescope collects and focuses light from distant stars, allowing astronomers to observe celestial bodies with much greater clarity than the naked eye.