curve

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

[+]more[-]hide