parabola

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parabola

parabola , plane curve consisting of all points equidistant from a given fixed point (focus) and a given fixed line (directrix) (see illustration) . It is the conic section cut by a plane parallel to one of the elements of the cone. The axis of a parabola is the line through the focus perpendicular to the directrix. The vertex is the point at which the axis intersects the curve. The latus rectum is the chord through the focus perpendicular to the axis. Examples of this curve are the path of a projectile and the shape of the cross section of a parallel beam reflector.

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parabola

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture | 2000 | | Â© A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture 2000, originally published by Oxford University Press 2000. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

parabola. Curve based on a conic section, that is the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side. It resembles a three-centred arch, vertically emphasized.

Bibliography

Nicholson (1835)

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JAMES STEVENS CURL. "parabola." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Oxford University Press. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 29 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAMES STEVENS CURL. "parabola." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Oxford University Press. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (November 29, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-parabola.html

JAMES STEVENS CURL. "parabola." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Oxford University Press. 2000. Retrieved November 29, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-parabola.html

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