[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).
hyperbola (hī-pûr'bə-lə) Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) 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. |
