CONIC SECTIONS
\kənˈɪk sˈɛkʃənz], \kənˈɪk sˈɛkʃənz], \k_ə_n_ˈɪ_k s_ˈɛ_k_ʃ_ə_n_z]\
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The curves formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane. They are of three kinds-Ellipses, Hyperbolas, and Parabolas, according to the direction of the cutting plane. A point traces out a conic section when it moves in such a manner that its distance from a fixed point bears a constant ratio to its perpendicular distance from a fixed line. The fixed point is called the focus, the fixed line the directrix of the conic section.
By Henry Percy Smith
