directrix The line that, together with a point called the focus, serves to define a conic section as the locus of points whose distance from the focus is proportional to the horizontal distance from the directrix. If the ratio r = 1, the conic is a parabola, if r < 1, it is an ellipse, and if r > 1, it is a hyperbola. Related category • PLANE CURVES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |