A parabolic dish is a reflective surface shaped like a parabola, which is a specific type of curve. This design allows the dish to focus incoming parallel waves, such as light or sound, to a single point known as the focus. Parabolic dishes are commonly used in applications like satellite dishes and radio telescopes, where they capture signals from space. In addition to communication and astronomy, parabolic dishes are also utilized in cooking, such as in solar cookers. These devices concentrate sunlight onto a cooking pot, allowing for efficient heating. The unique shape of the dish is key to its effectiveness in these various applications.