[hahy-pur-buh-luh] 
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/a2 − y2/b2 = ±1. |
hy·per·bo·la (hī-pûr'bə-lə)  (click for larger image in new window) n. pl. hy·per·bo·las or hy·per·bo·lae (-lē) A plane curve having two branches, formed by the intersection of a plane with both halves of a right circular cone at an angle parallel to the axis of the cone. It is the locus of points for which the difference of the distances from two given points is a constant. [New Latin, from Greek huperbolē, a throwing beyond, excess (from the relationship between the line joining the vertices of a conic and the line through its focus and parallel to its directrix); see hyperbole.] |
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).
