The branch of geometry that studies conic sections, which are curves formed by slicing a cone with a plane.
From Greek 'konikos' (relating to a cone) plus the plural suffix '-s'. Conic sections were extensively studied by ancient Greek mathematicians, particularly in works on geometry.
Conic sections appear everywhere in real life—satellite orbits follow elliptical conics, parabolic conics shape telescope mirrors and car headlights, and hyperbolic conics help navigation systems triangulate positions.
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