1. Plural of parabola; a symmetrical open curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side.
Usage: mathematics; geometry
2. Plural of parabola; allegorical or moral stories, especially in religious contexts.
Usage: archaic; literary

Examples

• The engineer designed the bridge using multiple parabolae to distribute weight evenly.
• In mathematics class, students graphed several parabolae on the coordinate plane.
• The satellite dish's shape is based on the properties of parabolae.
• Ancient texts contain parabolae that teach moral lessons through narrative.
• The parabolic mirrors in the telescope are sections of parabolae.
• The trajectory of a projectile follows one of several possible parabolae.