curvature

noun

cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

1

: the act of curving : the state of being curved

2

: a measure or amount of curving

specifically : the rate of change of the angle through which the tangent to a curve turns in moving along the curve and which for a circle is equal to the reciprocal of the radius

3

a

: an abnormal curving (as of the spine)

b

: a curved surface of an organ

Synonyms

• angle
• arc
• arch
• bend
• bow
• crook
• curve
• inflection
• turn
• wind

Examples of curvature in a Sentence

The lenses have different curvatures.

the curvature of the earth

The machine measures the eyeball's degree of curvature.

a disease that can cause curvature of the spine

Recent Examples on the Web

Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, published in 1915, declared in part that space and time together behave like a fabric, and that the mass of a celestial body can warp that fabric and, in turn, alter the path of light itself along that curvature. —Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2024

Furthermore, the curvature of the Earth plays into some of the limitations of radar technology. —Kim Breen, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024

During a hybrid eclipse, the curvature of the Earth's surface and the variations in the moon's distance from Earth cause the eclipse to appear annular at some points along the path and total at others. —The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 2024

For 2024, the Genesis GV80 was very luxurious appearing and didn’t fall short in the curvatures or exterior fascia’s department. —Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2024

The lens design is unique, combining curvature radii on its outer and inner diopter, resulting in more effective optical performance. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

Einstein quickly hit on the idea of using general relativity to predict the degree to which light should be deflected by the gravitational field—that is, the curvature of spacetime—around a massive object such as the sun. —Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 15 Feb. 2024

The subtle curvature on each side allows the phone to be easily gripped. —Ben Sin, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Alchemist, in fact, has a large planetarium dome that lets its guests dine surrounded by projections of underwater sea life, inside a human body or, appropriately, looking down on the curvature of the earth. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curvature

• center of curvature
• radius of curvature

Kids Definition

curvature

noun

cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-chər

1

: the act of curving : the state of being curved

2

: an abnormal curving

curvature of the spine

Medical Definition

curvature

noun

cur·​va·​ture ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r 

1

: an abnormal curving (as of the spine) see kyphosis, scoliosis

2

: a curved surface of an organ (as the stomach) see greater curvature, lesser curvature