Conic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conic

[หˆkษ’nษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

geometric shape

The term 'conic' refers to anything related to a cone, particularly in the context of geometry. It pertains to the shapes known as conic sections, which are derived from the intersection of a plane with a cone.

Synonyms

cone-shaped, conical.

Examples of usage

  • A conic section can be an ellipse.
  • The equation describes a conic curve.
  • She studied conic shapes in her mathematics class.
Context #2 | Noun

geometric figure

In mathematics, a 'conic' is a term for the curves generated by the intersection of a right circular cone with a plane. These include circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.

Synonyms

conic section, conical shape.

Examples of usage

  • The parabola is a type of conic.
  • Conics are important in algebra and calculus.
  • The model used conics to describe planetary motion.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Math and Geometry

  • In geometry, conic sections are created by slicing a cone, resulting in shapes like circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
  • Kepler used conic sections to describe the orbits of planets, showing their connection to celestial mechanics.
  • The equation of a conic section can be expressed in a quadratic form, making it a fundamental concept in algebra.

Art and Design

  • Conic shapes are used in architecture, evident in buildings with conical roofs and structures.
  • Artists often use conic forms in sculptures to achieve a sense of elevation and dynamics.

Applications in Science

  • Conic sections are essential in fields like physics for calculating trajectories of projectiles.
  • In optics, conic shapes help design lenses that focus light efficiently.

Pop Culture

  • Some video games feature conic-based graphics, using these shapes to create 3D spaces.
  • The popular ice cream cone uses the conic shape, making it a fun example from everyday life!

Origin of 'conic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'conic' comes from the Greek word 'konos,' which means 'cone.'
  • It was first used in English in the 17th century, reflecting the study of geometrical shapes.

The word 'conic' comes from the Latin term 'conicus', which is derived from the Greek word 'kลnฤฉkรณs', meaning 'pertaining to a cone'. The study of conic sections has roots in ancient Greek mathematics, where mathematicians like Apollonius of Perga described the properties of these curves. Over the centuries, the term and the concept evolved, impacting various fields such as astronomy, physics, and engineering. Conic sections became essential in the study of orbits and trajectories, and their mathematical properties have led to significant advancements in analytical geometry.