parabolical,
a. [Gr.
paraboliko`s figurative: cf. F.
parabolique. See
Parable.].
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Of the nature of a parable; expressed by a parable or figure; allegorical; as, parabolical instruction. [1913 Webster]
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Having the form or nature of a parabola; pertaining to, or resembling, a parabola; as, a parabolic curve. [1913 Webster]
Parabolic conoid, a paraboloid; a conoid whose directing curve is a parabola. See Conoid. -- Parabolic mirror (Opt.), a mirror having a paraboloidal surface which gives for parallel rays (as those from very distant objects) images free from aberration. It is used in reflecting telescopes. -- Parabolic spindle, the solid generated by revolving the portion of a parabola cut off by a line drawn at right angles to the axis of the curve, about that line as an axis. -- Parabolic spiral, a spiral curve conceived to be formed by the periphery of a semiparabola when its axis is wrapped about a circle; also, any other spiral curve having an analogy to the parabola.