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

Last year, Kiké Hernández did the same thing after discovering astigmatism (a condition caused by imperfections in the curvature of the eye that can impact vision) in his own right eye. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

How pet tracker technology works The technology works by identifying unique features of each animal — from eye shape and whisker length to unusual markings and tail curvature. —Analisa Novak, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025

Designed by Gerald Summers, the chair’s curvature was achieved from a single sheet of plywood, cut and steam-pressed. —Anders Modig Davin, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025

The curvatures and sleekness of the XC60 are unlike no other SUV in today’s market. —Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025

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