curve

¹curve

adjective \ˈkərv\

Definition of CURVE

archaic

: bent or formed into a curve

Origin of CURVE

Middle English, from Latin curvus; akin to Greek kyrtos convex, Middle Irish cruinn round

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with CURVE

MIRV, nerve, serve, slurve, swerve, verve

²curve

verb

curvedcurv·ing

Definition of CURVE

intransitive verb

: to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity

transitive verb

1

: to cause to curve

2

: to throw a curveball to (a batter)

3

: to grade (as an examination) on a curve

Examples of CURVE

1. The tail curves over the dog's back.
2. The road curves to the left.
3. The fence curves in toward the side of the house.
4. The railing curves out near the observation platform.

Origin of CURVE

Latin curvare, from curvus

First Known Use: 1594

Related to CURVE

Synonyms

arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, fall off, hook, round, sweep, swerve, trend, wheel

Antonyms

straighten

Related Words

circle, coil, curlicue, curl, loop, spiral; turn, twist, wind; deviate, veer

³curve

noun

Definition of CURVE

1

a : a line especially when curved: as (1) : the path of a moving point (2) : a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameter

b : the graph of a variable

2

: something curved: as

a : a curving line of the human body

b plural : parenthesis

3

a : curveball

b : trick, deception

4

: a distribution indicating the relative performance of individuals measured against each other that is used especially in assigning good, medium, or poor grades to usually predetermined proportions of students rather than in assigning grades based on predetermined standards of achievement

5

: trend <a growth curve in advertising revenues>; especially : a prevalent trend or rate of progress —often used in the phrases ahead of the curve and behind the curve <companies that are behind the curve in adopting new technologies>

— curvy \ˈkər-vē\ adjective

Examples of CURVE

1. The dog's tail has a slight curve.
2. There is a sharp curve coming up in the road.
3. the price curve in relation to inflation

First Known Use of CURVE

1666

Related to CURVE

Synonyms

angle, arc, arch, bow, crook, curvature, bend, inflection, turn, wind

Related Words

kink, warp; circle, ring, ringlet, round; coil, curl, curlicue (also curlycue); buckle, convolution, flexure, fold, loop, spiral, swirl, twist, winding; incurvature, reflection; decline, inclination, incline, slope; corner, turnoff; dogleg, hairpin

curve

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In mathematics, an abstract term used to describe the path of a continuously moving point (see continuity). Such a path is usually generated by an equation. The word can also apply to a straight line or to a series of line segments linked end to end. A closed curve is a path that repeats itself, and thus encloses one or more regions. Simple examples include circles, ellipses, and polygons. Open curves such as parabolas, hyperbolas, and spirals have infinite length.