hyperboloid

[ hahy-pur-buh-loid ]

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a quadric surface having a finite center and some of its plane sections hyperbolas. Equation: x 2 / a 2 + y 2 / b 2 − z 2 / c 2 = 1.

hyperboloid

/ haɪˈpɜːbəˌlɔɪd /

noun

1. a geometric surface consisting of one sheet, or of two sheets separated by a finite distance, whose sections parallel to the three coordinate planes are hyperbolas or ellipses. Equations x ²/ a ² + y ²/ b ² – z ²/ c ² = 1 (one sheet) or x ²/ a ² – y ²/ b ² – z ²/ c ² = 1 (two sheets) where a, b, and c are constants

hyperboloid

/ hī-pûr′bə-loid′ /

1. Either of two surfaces generated by rotating a hyperbola about either of its main axes and having a finite center, with certain plane sections that are hyperbolas and others that are ellipses or circles.

Other Words From

• hy·perbo·loidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperboloid¹

First recorded in 1720–30; hyperbol(a) + -oid

Example Sentences

“Particulates” marries her interest in geometry — she’s used the hyperboloid before, most famously in her 170-foot-tall public sculpture “Mae West” — to her interest in science fiction.

From New York Times

Pei’s pinch-waisted hyperboloid rises a hundred stories above Grand Central Terminal.

From New York Times

The new "hyperboloid" architecture was pioneered by Shukhov himself - a geometric design which he had employed in the building of water tanks, electrical pylons and lighthouses.

From BBC

His groundbreaking work on hyperboloid geometry, a continuing influence on architects and engineers in the digital age, reached its apotheosis with the radio tower, commonly known as the Shukhov Tower.

From New York Times

There are flat infinities, hunchback infinities, bubbling infinities, hyperboloid infinities.

From New York Times