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 of curvature

• curve
• bend
• angle

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

Mike recalled that the effects of the disease were noticeable around the time of his 2011 wedding to Zara, and said his father’s physical decline had included curvature of the spine and subsequent medical problems. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

An ant living deep inside the snow globe can’t easily detect any curvature, and therefore can’t tell the difference between anti-de Sitter and de Sitter space. — Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

And if the footprint looks like a full foot with no dry spots in the middle and no inward curvature, the diagnosis is usually flat feet. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

The more mass an object possesses, the greater the curvature, and because gravity arises from this curvature, the greater the gravitational influence. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, 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