The term "parabolic aerial" is spelled with three syllables: /pærəˈbɒlɪk/ /ˈɛərɪəl/. The first syllable, "parabolic," is pronounced with stress on the second syllable and is spelled with the letter combination "par-" followed by the vowel sound /æ/ and the consonant blend "-bolik." The second syllable, "aerial," is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and is spelled with the letter combination "air-" followed by the vowel sound /ɪə/ and the consonant "-al." Together, the term refers to a type of antenna, often used for satellite reception because of its ability to receive signals from a wide area.
A parabolic aerial, also known as a parabolic antenna or dish antenna, is a type of antenna that uses a parabolic reflector to focus electromagnetic waves, such as radio, television, or satellite signals. It consists of a curved dish-shaped reflector that is usually made of metal, commonly aluminum, with a shape defined by a paraboloid segment.
The parabolic shape of the reflector allows the antenna to concentrate incoming waves onto a small focal point, called the feed or feed horn, which is positioned at the focus of the parabola. The feed is connected to the transmission line or receiver and serves to collect or emit the electromagnetic signals.
By using a parabolic reflector, parabolic aerials have several advantages. First, they provide high directional gain, meaning that they are able to receive or transmit signals from a specific direction with greater efficiency compared to other types of antennas. Second, they exhibit a narrow beamwidth, resulting in better signal reception or transmission accuracy. Lastly, their design allows for reduced interference from unwanted signals or noise, enhancing the overall signal quality.
Parabolic aerials are widely used in various applications, including wireless communication, television and radio broadcasting, satellite communication, and even in radio astronomy. They can range in size from small dishes used for satellite reception at home to large installations used for long-range communication or deep space exploration.
The word "parabolic" in the term "parabolic aerial" comes from the Greek word "parabole", which means "comparison" or "similarity". This word was originally used in mathematics to describe a specific type of curve known as a parabola. A parabola is a U-shaped curve formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane parallel to its side.
The term "aerial" in the phrase refers to an antenna used for receiving or transmitting radio waves or other electromagnetic signals. The word "aerial" is derived from the Latin word "aer" meaning "air".
Therefore, the combination of "parabolic" and "aerial" in "parabolic aerial" indicates an antenna with a parabolic dish or reflector. This type of antenna uses a parabolic shape to focus incoming or outgoing radio waves, allowing for better signal strength and directionality.