1. A curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane that cuts through both nappes of the cone, consisting of two separate branches.
Usage: mathematics; geometry

Examples

• The equation x² – y² = 1 represents a hyperbola with two branches.
• In calculus class, we studied the properties of a hyperbola and its asymptotes.
• The hyperbola is one of the four conic sections, along with the circle, ellipse, and parabola.
• The two branches of a hyperbola are symmetric about the center point.
• Astronomers use hyperbolic orbits, which follow the path of a hyperbola, for certain spacecraft trajectories.